A medium-dry or semi-dry wine is hard to get right: there needs to be a spot balance between acid and sugar, otherwise it tastes sugary and simple. According to the International Riesling Federation’s Sugar Guidelines, the ideal ratio is 1.0 to 2.0 acid to sugar.  This label has had plenty of success at wine shows over the years.

d’Arenberg, The Dry Dam, Riesling, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, 2018

Fragrant aromas of lime flesh, lime sorbet, kaffir lime leaf, ripe stonefruit, ice tea and slightly saline asian spiced chicken broth. Slightly viscous and weighty in texture with a little phenolic grip. The palate replete with ripe nectarines, green apples and lime sorbet. Neither sugar nor acidity rules the day, a fine example at a bargain price.

RRP: $18
Alc: 10%
Rating: 17.75/20

Wine sample courtesy of d’Arenberg