Today we honour one of the world’s most versatile and expressive grape varieties; Riesling.
The Riesling grape dates back to the 1400s in the Rhine River region of Germany.
Riesling grapes are known for producing aromatic, floral and fruit-forward wines, with citrus, stone fruit and white flower characteristics.
This varietal is revered for its ability to produce a diverse range of styles, from bone-dry, to late-harvest sweet wines. It is one of the most loved and respected wines by connoisseurs and wine professionals because of its complexity, dimension and versatility, yet many wine drinkers say they don’t like it. I wonder why… when there is a Riesling style out there to suit everyone.
You’ll rarely find it blended with other grapes. It’s an elegant, light to medium-bodied aromatic wine, with naturally high acidity, which lends itself to being aged.
Young Rieslings are fresh and vibrant. Very fruit-forward, and aromatic with citrus and apple flavours usually the most prominent. Way too drinkable for those who love citrus-based characters, and juicy acid.
But lay it down for several years (to a decade), and the wine will develop a more complex profile with keroseny notes and toast and honey flavours, translating to a richer mouthfeel, smoother texture, and a beautiful mellowness on the palate.
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Cool-climate regions such as our stunning home in Eden Valley, produce some of the best Australian Rieslings. Similarly, Central Otago and Marlborough produce the best New Zealand Rieslings – and you guessed it, these are also cool-climate growing regions.
Our own Riesling grapes are delicately picked from our longstanding vines planted in the 1960s, and 1980s, and from our cherished, deep-rooted 1890s vines – believed to be the oldest in Australia. Each batch of fruit bestows its unique attributes, creating quintessential Eden Valley citrus and minerally characteristics which our region is so well known for, and a complexity that ensures our dry style’s impressive length of finish.
We make our bone-dry Riesling in an approachable style to ensure it can be both enjoyed right now, and can be aged gracefully for a decade or so. And we’ve had a long history of award success with our Riesling vintages across the past 14 years.
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Try a bone-dry Riesling today: 2023 Mackenzie William 1896 Riesling.
Our Mackenzie William Riesling is named after the family’s eldest grandson Mack. Our 2023 edition brings together the much sought-after lemon and lime balance with elegant floral aromas that Eden Valley Rieslings are so well known for. A hint of spring blossoms and a splash of ripe grapefruit juice seem to keep all that zesty lime citrus rush and minerality in superb balance. These beautiful fruit layers add such complex flavour dimensions to the long dry finish.
Made in an approachable style, to be enjoyable upon release, but it will also age gracefully for a decade under the right cellaring conditions – for those who enjoy an aged Riesling.
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History of Quality:
2022 – 98 Points | Winestate Magazine
2021 – 95 Points | Wine Orbit – Sam Kim
2021 – Silver | 2021 Melbourne International Wine Competition
2020 – Gold + Eden Valley Riesling Winery of the Year | 2020 Melbourne International Wine Competition
2018 – Silver | 2018 Melbourne International Wine Competition
2016 – Silver | 2018 New Zealand International Wine Competition
2015 – Silver | 2015 Perth Royal Wine Show
2014 – Bronze | 2014 Barossa Wine Show
2013 – Silver | 2013 Barossa Wine Show
2012 – Silver | 2013 Barossa Wine Show
2011 – Gold | 2011 Barossa Wine Show