Patrick of Coonawarra Estate Dandelion Riesling Wines

We’re big fans of Riesling here at winedirect.com.au, and our customers are, too. It’s one of the world’s most-grown varietals, producing wines that range from dry to very sweet, as well as sparkling wines. Some winemakers even blend it with red wine, with delicious results.

Originating in the Rhine region of Germany, Riesling was one of the first grapes grown in Australia, with the first recorded planting in 1838 in New South Wales.

Riesling is a variety which is highly "terroir-expressive", meaning that the character of Riesling wines is clearly influenced by the wine's place of origin. Some of the most renowned Australian Riesling regions are South Australia’s Clare Valley (which includes Watervale and Polish Hill), and Eden Valley, as well as Albany and Frankland River in Western Australia.

Australian Riesling wine is noted for its oily texture and citrus fruit flavours in its youth, with a smooth balance of freshness and acid as it ages. Expect lime, green apple, grapefruit, beeswax and jasmine aromas and flavours that pair well with vegetarian, chicken, and seafood dishes, especially those without a heavily flavoured sauce.

Sweeter Rieslings go beautifully with spicy foods and blue cheese, and the really sweet stuff can pair very well with desserts.