For John Hughes, the attraction to Riesling is all encompassing. Growing up on a small vineyard in the Clare Valley, and going on to work with some of the brightest Riesling makers in the country before launching his own venture, John is never far away from his beloved grape. John makes classic Australian styles from carefully selected vineyards with an emphasis on purity and site reflection, as well as German-inspired expressions that balance acidity and sugar with singular precision.

Pressing Matters is a small, family-owned Tasmanian vineyard producing award-winning Rieslings and Pinot Noir. Although the Rieslings from Pressing Matters are influenced by Mosel styles, they are created to represent and enhance the exceptional qualities that Tasmanian Rieslings can produce. Pressing Matters R0 Riesling is an acid driven wine with almost no residual sugar – it is narrow on the palate and if people like dry white wine – this is a super-dry white wine! However the lack of sugar does not mean a lack of floral and citrus fruits on the nose and palate. Pale with green tinges. On the nose, preserved lime, dried rose petal and pear. A Cox’s orange crunch. Clean and clear palate; vibrant and juicy with great length. The R0 is a perfect complement to seafood and shellfish.

Within Kiedrich’s Gräfenberg Grand Cru lies a small 0.5-hectare parcel once known as the Gräfenberg-Lay. Sitting in one of the steepest portions of the vineyard, the Lay is located at the transition between Gräfenberg and Turmberg and is known for having the highest concentration of phyllite slate on the hill. The vines here are now between 40 and 60 years old. This site was originally purchased by Dr Robert Weil in the 19th century, using the dowry from his marriage to Emilie von Vacano (a descendant of the Vacano family in Lombardy). The wine from this parcel, called Monte Vacano (the Hill of Vacano) was always produced and bottled alone. It was used only for celebratory occasions and never released for sale. Following Weil's death in 1921, the tradition of Monte Vacano fell dormant, and the fruit was incorporated into a regular Gräfenberg bottling. Compared to the Gräfenberg GG, Monte Vacano trades power and richness for exceptional purity, elegance and detail. Resurrecting the old custom, 2021 marks the fourth Riesling in a century made solely from this special lieu-dit. It was harvested in October, and the grapes were whole bunch-pressed into two ancient refurbished Stückfässer (1,200-litre casks) where the wine fermented wild and spent almost two years on lees before bottling.

The colour of gold struck through with green, this Riesling shows classic lime and mineral aromas with a touch of gooseberry. Rich and full-bodied, the citrus and tropical fruit flavours are underpinned by crisp acidity.

The Margaret Pooley Tribute Riesling is a reserve wine made only in exceptional years from the original Pooley Riesling plantings established in 1985. This is Anna Pooley's most explosive and concentrated Riesling release. Built with cellaring in mind, it's an intensely flavoured, tightly structured wine that is going to reward patience in the cellar. One of the benchmark Rieslings in Tasmania, whenever Anna deems this high enough quality to be a stand alone release, enthusiasts should jump on it. This Riesling is a cut above.

Domaine Trimbach, nestled in the heart of Alsace, France, was first established as a winery in 1626 by Jean Trimbach, who settled in Riquewihr and began the Trimbach families winemaking journey. Over four hundred years, through 13 generations the family's passion for viticulture has been unwavering. Relocating to Hunawihr in the 1840s, and settling in Ribeauvillé after World War I, where the winery is based today. Each generation continually honed their craft, ensuring Trimbach's enduring legacy in the world of wine, in particular Alsatian Rieslings. Domaine Trimbach's dedication extends beyond exceptional wines. Committed to sustainable practices, they have achieved certified organic status for all 63 hectares of their vineyards. These vineyards, spread across the picturesque villages of Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Mittelwihr, Kientzheim, and Turkheim, benefit from diverse terroirs, infusing each wine with unique characteristics. Domaine Trimbach's most renowned wines are the Clos Sainte Hune and Cuvée Frédéric Emile Rieslings. The legendary Clos Sainte Hune hails from 1.67 hectares of the prestigious Rosacker Grand Cru vineyard. Renowned for its elegance, minerality, and exceptional aging potential, this Riesling is a legend among aficionados. While Clos Sainte Hune was first produced in 1919, the first vintage of Cuvée Frédéric Emile was not released until 1967. The fruit is sourced from a contiguous vineyard plot that straddles the Grand Crus of Geisberg and Osterberg, overlooking the Trimbach winery and the town of Ribeauvillé. And with a few more hectares of vineyard behind it, Cuvée Frédéric Emile finds its way into the wine lists of top restaurants all around the world. Indeed, at last count it was listed in 25 Michelin three-star restaurants in France alone. Geisberg is the third smallest of the Alsace Grand Cru sites and is composed of many terraces over limestone and sandstone subsoil. In 2008 Trimbach were granted the lease of the holding owned by the Convent of Ribeauvillé, on the condition that both the village and the Grand Cru were recognised when selling the wine. The first release of this wine was from the 2009 vintage. Previously this parcel was dedicated to being assembled with with GC Osterberg into the famous Frédéric Émile. One of the three smaller Grand Crus in Alsace, it is only 8.53 ha. The Trimbach’s 2.6 ha plot is on limestone and dolomite marl soil, with old vines over 50 years old, small terraces with steep slopes facing south - creating a unique terroir. The grapes are selected at maturity then crushed and delicately pressed in a pneumatic press. Vinified in a dry style in stainless steel vats. No malolactic fermentation or long ageing on lees in order to preserve freshness, liveliness and fruity aromas. Bottled in spring following the harvest, then aged two years minimum in the cellar before release. Pronounced aromas of citrus, candied fruit, honey and bergamot. The acidity is precise and, coupled with optimal ripeness, provides a juicy sensation of fresh lemon. Fantastic energy and structure with saline mineral notes. Delicious in its youth, it is a wine that can be kept for over 20 years and which will then reveal all the richness and complexity of its terroir.

This stunning Riesling from the West is all limes and citrus with great length and depth of flavour. The only problem with this wine is there is never enough to go around.

The fruit used to craft The Stump Jump Riesling was gently crushed, fermented, and basket pressed. The resulting white wine showcases a light yellow colour. This beautiful Riesling exudes delightful aromas of frangipani, lemon and lime sherbet from its perfumed bouquet. These vibrant fragrances are replicated on the juicy palate, where they are balanced by subtle sweetness and sharp acidity. This wonderful Riesling ends in a zingy and refreshing finale. Crafted to be enjoyed as an aperitif, it can also be served with beef curry, or fresh and raw fish.