About Riesling
Zesty, floral, and highly age-worthy, with pristine citrus acidity, excelling in Clare and Eden Valley.
The Story of Riesling in Australia
Riesling is Australia’s finest and most underrated white grape variety. Known for its pure citrus flavours, vibrant acidity, and incredible ability to age, it has been a staple of the Australian wine industry since the 1800s.
Originally from Germany, Riesling found its way to Australia in the mid-19th century, flourishing in cooler regions. While other white varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have had their ups and downs in popularity, Riesling has remained a favourite for those who love fresh, crisp, and mineral-driven wines.
Famous Regions for Australian Riesling
- Clare Valley – The benchmark for Australian Riesling, producing intensely aromatic wines with lime, lemon, and mineral notes.
- Eden Valley – Higher-altitude vineyards create elegant, floral Rieslings with crisp acidity and long ageing potential.
- Great Southern – Known for delicate yet structured Rieslings with pristine citrus and herbal nuances.
- Tasmania – A rising region for Riesling, producing cool-climate expressions with finesse.
What Does Riesling Taste Like?
Australian Riesling is crisp, zesty, and full of citrus-driven character. Young Rieslings burst with lime, lemon, and green apple, while aged Rieslings develop rich honeyed and toasty notes. Unlike many other white wines, Riesling is often unoaked, allowing its pure fruit expression to shine.
Winemaking Styles & New Trends
Riesling is typically made in a dry style in Australia, with winemakers focusing on bright acidity and clean, linear flavours. However, there has been a rise in off-dry and medium-sweet Rieslings, offering more versatility in food pairing.
Modern winemakers are also experimenting with skin contact Rieslings, pét-nat (naturally sparkling Riesling), and lees ageing to add texture and complexity to the wines.
Similar Wines to Try
- Chenin Blanc – Crisp and zesty, but often with more tropical fruit and honeyed character.
- Semillon – Shares Riesling’s ageability, with bright citrus and herbal notes.
- Grüner Veltliner – Offers similar high acidity and citrus flavours, with a touch of white pepper.
- Albariño – A fresh, saline-driven white that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
Recommended Australian Riesling Wines
Looking for top-quality Australian Riesling? These handpicked selections showcase the best of the variety:
- Hatch Wines Eden Valley Flaxmans Riesling 2023 – A bright, elegant Riesling with pristine citrus acidity.
- Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Riesling – A classic Clare Valley Riesling with intense lime and minerality.
Food Pairing with Riesling
Riesling’s vibrant acidity makes it an excellent match for fresh seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, and creamy cheeses. Try it with Thai green curry, grilled prawns, or a classic lemon butter barramundi.
Explore Australian Riesling
At Wine Simple, we stock a handpicked selection of incredible Australian Riesling wines. Whether you prefer a crisp, bone-dry style or a rich, aged expression, we’ve got a bottle for you.
Looking for the perfect Riesling? Browse our selection here.