Pindar Vineyards: 2024 Dry Riesling

^{This post has been sponsored by Pindar Vineyards. All opinions expressed are my own. This message is intended for those 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.}

The 2024 Dry Riesling is part of Dr. Dan's Signature Collection and comes to us from our longtime friends over at Pindar Vineyards, located on Long Island's North Fork. Stylistically, this is a dry white wine, characterized by refreshing acidity and a crisp profile.

If you're interested in whether this wine lives up to the Pindar name, read on for aromatic and tasting notes, a brief overview of the North Fork wine region, and pairing suggestions.

Now, let's get to it.

Wine Overview

Quick Facts

Winery: The 2024 Dry Riesling was produced on the North Fork of Long Island by Pindar Vineyards.
Grape Varietals: This wine is 100% Riesling.
ABV: 12.8% alcohol by volume.
Price: As of this review, you can find the 2024 Dry Riesling for $26 - though prices do vary by region and outlet.

Region - Peconic, New York, North Fork of Long Island

Pindar Vineyards was established in 1979 by Dr. Herodotus 'Dan' Damianos, with the first vintage appearing in 1982. Today, Pindar Vineyards spans some 500 acres across Long Island's North Fork.

Long Island's North Fork is surrounded by the Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay, which combine to create a microclimate buffered against extreme temperatures and spring frosts. This buffer is essential to guard against Long Island's notoriously hot summers (the temperature on the North Fork is often 10-15 degrees F lower than ambient), while sea breezes keep daytime maximums significantly lower than inland New York or New Jersey. In terms of soil, Long Island's North Fork is generally well-drained gravel and sand, which is of prime importance given the Island's propensity for flooding and torrential seasonal downpours.

Aromatic and Tasting Notes

On the Nose

Bright and fruit-forward. The wine introduces itself with notes of crisp green apple off the top of the glass, with nectarine essence and stone-fruit deeper into the glass. Faint mineral undertones manifest towards the bottom, helping to frame the rest of the bouquet. Very pleasant.

On the Palate

Dry, lean, and refreshing. This is a clean, high-acid expression of the grape. On the palate, the wine is instantly bone-dry, with the acidity providing a zesty and lively mouthfeel. The green apple and nectarine notes from the nose carry over very deliciously.

Finish

The finish is palate-cleansing, with lingering fruit notes. Very enjoyable from start to finish.

Wine Score

This wine achieves precisely what it sets out to do - to be a quality, dry Riesling at an approachable price. For its refreshing palate and crisp, cleansing finish, coupled with its beautifully subtle aromatics, I'll score this wine a respectable 92.

Food Pairings

Shellfish and Light Seafood: This wine's razor-sharp acidity acts as a palate cleanser, allowing it to cut through fatty or briny seafood with ease. This means it's a great pairing for oysters, grilled shark, or heavier salmon dishes. It would also play excellently alongside sashimi, ceviche, or grilled white fish.
Poultry: White wine and chicken - you've heard it before, including here on Living the Gourmet, and this dry Riesling is no different. I would opt for roasted chicken with herbs or perhaps a garlic and herb crust.
Cheese and Charcuterie: Soft, creamy cheese is the way to go. Think goat cheese, brie, or camembert. Feta would also pair nicely. A good charcuterie board would also pair deliciously.
Pro-Tip: Dry Riesling in general loves salt, and this particular Riesling is no exception. Use salty foods to highlight the wine's stone fruit and mineral undertones.
What to Skip: Red meat - skip it. This wine is not for heavier meats or red meat in general. Barbecue is not a good pairing for this wine.

Who is this Wine For?

Pindar produces a variety of Riesling styles, and this is by far their dryest and most acidic Riesling, which makes this offering something altogether different. For example, Pindar's 2024 Riesling - labeled as 'medium sweet' - boasts a much richer, more "fruit cocktail" experience. On the opposite end of the spectrum, their Riesling Dessert Wine is a highly concentrated, lush wine with significant sweetness and rich honeyed notes.

So who is this Riesling for and why? This Riesling is targeted for those who prefer crispness and high acidity, especially for pairing alongside entrees or saltier appetizers - such as the oysters and light seafood mentioned in the pairing suggestions.

Where to Buy

As of this review, you can purchase the wine directly from Pindar Vineyards or use their Pindar Wine Finder.

And that's our review of Pindar Vineyards 2024 Dry Riesling. If you enjoyed this review, or sampled the wine or any of its pairings, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!

Cheers!