I’m a riesling girl through and through! I love its fresh acid zing when it’s young and its rich kerosene notes as it ages, mostly I like it dry, lean and minerally, but occasionally I like just a touch of sweetness to stand up to chilli heat. I tried to share the love around the country a bit, but if we’re talking THE BEST Australian riesling … it’s hard to leave South Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys.
Grosset Polish Hill (Clare Valley, SA)
www.grosset.com.au
For me this is as good as riesling gets, I love some vintages more than others, but it never fails to delight with its lean minerality, beautiful aromas and mouth-filling limey flavours.
Pewsey Vale Riesling (Eden Valley, SA)
www.pewseyvale.com
I often find Eden rieslings slightly fruitier than their Clare counterparts. With an intense lemon/lime nose and hint of pineapple on the palate but still that wonderful zingy finish, this may just be one of Australia’s best value rieslings, great with Chinese food.
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge (Frankland River, WA)
www.franklandestate.com.au
Lime blossom, kaffir lime and a touch of spice on the nose marries with a lemon/lime palate that finishes long yet delicate, from a winery that has shown major commitment to this wonderful grape variety.
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Florita’ (Clare Valley, SA)
www.jimbarry.com
Good riesling ages beautifully, and this one from a special old block in Australia’s premier riesling region is a winner. Intense and elegant, with rich preserved lemon notes on the nose, bone-dry concentrated citrus palate and delicious lingering aftertaste.
Grosset Alea (Clare Valley, SA)
www.grosset.com.au
I’m such an unashamed Grosset fan, I had to slip this one in … spicy, herbal, more lemon than lime on the nose, just a touch of sweetness but still a crisp tang and great length. Surprisingly good with pan-fried ham and gruyere sandwiches!
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FAQ
Where does the best Australian riesling come from?
It’s hard to beat Aussie riesling from South Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys.
What does the best Australian riesling taste like?
Aussie riesling is zingy with lemon and lime citrus notes when it’s young, and has a distinctive (and delicious) kerosene nose as it ages.
Does riesling age?
Good riesling ages beautifully. It’s great at 10 years or so, and I’ve had delicious ones that were 20 or more years old.
What does aged riesling smell like?
Kerosene. I know it doesn’t sound like a great aroma for a drink … but in aged riesling it’s a mark of distinction.
What's a good food match for riesling?
What food goes well with riesling? Just about anything if you ask me. As a starter, zingy, bone-dry riesling is a great way to balance the oil in fried food and the hint of sweetness in off-dry riesling makes it a natural match for chilli.
