Once the most planted white variety in the country, it has long been lost in the shadow of Chardonnay and more recently of Sauvignon Blanc. Abroad, its austerity the Australian dry Riesling is often misunderstood in contrast to the fuller styles of Germany, Alsace and Austria. And yet this noble grape is embraced by sommeliers and wine fanatics, celebrated in its youth and prized in its grand maturity. And it’s arguably been the best-value variety from Australia for decades.
This weekend, try five mouth-watering Australian Rieslings from Eden Valley, Clare Valley and Frankland River. Four are available to buy online in China.
5 Mouth-watering Australian dry Rieslings for your weekend
Wines
Jacob's Creek, Steingarten, Eden Valley 2012
(Sold at online shops)
Warm and limey, generous, preserved lemon, wonderful creamy notes. Soft apple fruit with a light toast quality on the mid-palate; easy to like.
Jim Barry, The Lodge Hill, Clare Valley 2013
(Sold at online shops)
Kerosene edge to the spicy kaffir lime nose. Aromatic palate in a citrus mould bringing bright lemon curd and a slightly austere bite that brings freshness. No shortage of character with touch of lime oil texture.
Pikes, Traditionale, Clare Valley 2014
(Sold at online shops)
Attractive fresh nose of talc, musk, and lime. The palate is riper in style with custard and tropical fruits dominating the citrus. Has good intensity for a young Clare Riesling and finishes with lovely balance.
Pewsey Vale, The Contours Museum Reserve, Eden Valley 2009
(Sold at online shops)
Lemon and lime curd, Bick's cordial, lime shred, minerality, and a good underlying acidity/saltiness. Tight, toasty finish, still lots to give. Very lime shred finish.
Frankland Estate, Isolation Ridge Vineyard, Frankland River, Great Southern 2012
(Chinese distributor information not yet available)
Kerosene and salted limes to nose and palate; very aromatic. Bone dry, firm, mineral, with dogged acidity which carries a long, well focused pithy grapefruit, salted lime, and mineral finish. Just starting to show a lick of honey.