Australian Riesling is among some of the best grown and produced around the world and part of this is due to our range of climates suiting the sometimes finicky grape variety, but also due to our boldness as winemakers who are willing to take risks to develop truly significant wines. Clare Valley in South Australia is arguably one of the very best regions in Australia for developing Riesling and curating deliciously botanical wines from the fruit.
Of particular note is the Eden Valley Riesling varieties which are often considered to be boldly botanical offering a host of crisp and citrus flavours like lime and juniper. In nearby Watervale, you will also find a range of affordable Riesling punching well above its cost bracket with tones of bold and zesty lemongrass, green citrus and other great fruity flavours still delivered in a crisp and lean white wine that is utterly perfect when served chilled and sipped on warm days.
Getting to the serious Riesling producers in Australia is moving into more cool climates and fabulous wine country in Tasmania. As a white grape that loves the cooler weather, the great southern tip of Australia, as well as the southern Yarra Valley regions, are excellent places for cultivating lush and light Riesling grapes that pack a powerful punch in the bottle. There are a range of good cellaring options as well from the Victorian producers with wines from 2009 and 2011 now slowly hitting the shelves and described as worth of ‘cellaring forever’ so an aged Riesling is a must try although you are definitely creeping up the dollar scale into some of the most expensive options available in Australia. This might make for the perfect wedding gift, perhaps, with a long shelf life and to be opened and enjoyed on the happy couple’s tenth wedding anniversary.