Wine Appreciation: Riesling

Riesling has had long-standing success in Australia and is still doing nicely, despite the in-roads of the drier whites such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The link with the original location, Germany, is that some zones of Australia, particularly in the south, can go close to matching the climate.

Riesling came out of the river areas of the Rhine and the Mosel (which is carried on with the sweeter version, moselle).

The German rieslings are similarly sweet to the versions made in other parts of the world, but have more acidity to provide balance. Riesling also bases its success on the fact that it is a simple process of making the wine and selling it young and not getting too involved in complexities.

It's therefore relatively cheaper than some of the trendier varieties.

Features of Riesling are:

The taste/aroma is citrus, lemon, lime, acidic, almost mineral.
Can be cellared but perfect when drunk young.
Excellent with seafood and white meats such as chicken.

Regions: Riesling is grown in the southern, cooler climates of Australia - Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia including the Clare Valley.

Labels to look for include Wolf Blass, Katnook, Seaview, Bass Clare, Rochcombe, Wynns. Sweet as a nut!

For a full list of Riesling wines tasted by our Wine Connoisseur uncork it here