Pure Riesling from Australia – Premium 6 Pack

Pure Riesling from Australia – Premium 6 Pack. Discover the crisp, vibrant charm of Australian Riesling with this premium 6-pack collection. Sourced from top regions like Clare Valley, Eden Valley, and beyond, these wines showcase the purity, precision, and elegance that define Australian Riesling.

Expect bright citrus, fine acidity, and beautiful mineral notes – perfect for pairing with seafood, spice, or simply enjoying on their own. A must-have for lovers of fresh, expressive whites.

1 x Plantagenet "Angevin" Riesling 2023 ~ Mt. Barker, Western Australia

93/100 Ray Jordan, Wine PIlot
93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review

92/100 Winestate Magazine (2022 vintage)
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2021 vintage)
92/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
92/100 Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
95/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
95/100 Sam Kim (2020 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)

Commended - International Wine Challenge (2020 vintage)

5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
5 Stars - WineState Magazine (2020 vintage)

Ray Jordan, Wine PIlot "Beautiful Riesling from the famous Wyjup Vineyard in Mount Barker. Opens with a healthy aroma of lime dominant citrus against muted floral scents. Such a good season delivers fruit that is intense yet precise and controlled with a fine natural acidity. The palate has a degree of tension creating a fine minerally thread through to the sustained finish."

James Suckling "Tangy and pristine, this has notes of green apples, acacia flowers, lime peel, wet stones and juniper berries. It’s laser-focused, with a medium body and racy acidity. Saline and minerally finish."

Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Pale lime and lemon tints. Lemongrass and seaspray aromas. Tight and focused on the palate, lemon and saline notes at the core as acidity cracks the whip and dives it long and lean to a bone-dry finish. Nervy now but cellaring will be well rewarded."

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "This wine is lively, tense and crisply acid on the palate.....Bright light-mid yellow colour with a similarly forward-developed bouquet, showing lime, quince-paste, apricot aromas and subtle hints of toast." (2022 vintage)

Robert Parker "This is routinely a smart wine—austere and lean on release but with brilliant poise and line. This cooler-vintage 2021 Angevin Riesling makes not exception to that rule, with notes of lemon oil, Granny Smith apples, brine and fleshy citrus. Very good indeed." (2021 vintage)

Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "A lovely wine; chalky, mineral, saline...It's gratifying tasting wines that give you more as you pay more ... it's sort of how we hope it would be (and not the other way around!). This has all the line and austerity of the Three Lions Riesling, but with additional layers of plump fruit and cushioned phenolics. It remains true to it regional roots, taut and coiled, but it also begins to unfurl and open as it stays in the mouth." (2021 vintage)

Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "..A delicious dry riesling that will age well....Honey and lime leaf aromas lead into a racy dry palate. There's lots of flesh on the bones providing great flavours and carry. This is alive and enticing on the palate, with rapier-like acidity and great intensity.(2021 vintage)

Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Quite an astoundingly beautiful and pure wine of poise, line and length." (2020 vintage)

Sam Kim "It's exquisitely styled, showing Granny Smith apple, lime cordial and white flesh nectarine notes on the nose, leading to a concentrated palate that delivers outstanding fruit purity and poise. Refined and stylish with a graceful future ahead." (2020 vintage)

James Suckling "This has striking purity and such fresh citrus-fruit aromas, as well as some savory, mineral notes. The palate is sleekly driven by brisk acidity that carries fresh lime-juice flavor. Bang! Drink now." (2020 vintage)

Toni Paterson "A highly engaging aroma of spring blossoms and candied lemon peel. Lemon juice flavours on the palate with faint hints of cumquat. A tight, citrusy style.'

Winemaker "100% Riesling grapes from our Wyjup Vineyard. Ashen straw colour. The palate is piercingly focused, with an intense citrus-flavoured core filling the mid-palate and a beautifully structured, wet pebble minerality. The abundant natural acidity provides the backbone for elegant fruit flavours. A very long, clean finish. Cellaring potential of 10 - 14 years."

Western Australian winery, Plantagenent is acclaimed internationally for its consistently highly-awarded, quality wines produced from its five vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Great Southern. It is known for its highly aromatic riesling, tangy citrus-tinged chardonnay, exceptional Rhône-style shiraz and suberb cabernet sauvignon. The five estate vineyards are overseen by Chief Viticulturist Jordan Ellis whose philosophy is sustainability and remaining true to the terroir of the region.

The Real Review "Plantegent is a pioneer of the Great Southern region of Western Australia with vineyards first planted in 1986 and the first commercial winery established in the region. Celebrated for its rich heritage, the winery is owned the Lionel Samson family, the oldest family owned business in Western Australia established in Fremantle in 1829. Plantaganet has five vineyards in the Mount Barker sub region each with the unique characteristics, ancient soils and a cool maritime climate cretaing expressive wines of provenance, quality & prestige. "

James Halliday, Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Plantagenet has honed its flagship varieties into a distinct Great Southern wine style; a depth of lively flavour, seamless elegance and natural purity"

The Great Southern is emerging as a wine region of international significance and reputation. It is the largest wine growing region in Australia and is the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested cliffs and resplendent mountain ranges, grazing pastures and towns steeped in history. The regional climate ranges from the coastal, maritime subregions of Albany and Denmark to the inland, continental subregions of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River. The predominant soils are similar to those of the Margaret River region - either lateritic gravelly sandy loams (marri country) or sandy loams deriving directly from granite and gneissic bedrocks. Near perfect conditions for grape growing has lured some of the most creative and talented winemakers to call this land their home and become part of its ancient story.

The region is known for commitment to be sustainable, and organic, and is attracting some of Australia’s best winemakers. In 2023 the region dominated the Halliday Wine Companion Awards with its Top Rated 2023 Rieslings winning 10 of the top 40 awards. Other varietals from the region also received exceptional ratings of 97, 96 & 95 points.

Riesling is considered one of the world's greatest white wine varieties. Aromatic and fresh Riesling is often caught between the purity of its German iterations to the complexity of its Alsatian counterparts. But, existing worldwide in range of styles from dry to sweet, it frequently surpasses glib pronouncements at all levels.

1 x Tar & Roses Lewis Riesling 2022 - Central Victoria, Australia

96/100 Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion 
95/100 Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
Bronze - Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2021 vintage)

5 Star - James Halliday

Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion "The late Don Lewis was a star riesling winemaker. This wine named in his honour lives up to the Lewis style in both fruit concentration and class and is a fine follow-up to the excellent 2021 vintage. At once delicate and floral but with a solid core of pure, intense lime and citrus. A pitch-perfect riesling embracing a touch of savoury lemongrass, a pinch of spice and a brisk sherbety tingle set to some racy acidity."

Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion "Named after a very fine man and award-winning winemaker, Don Lewis, this wine honours the former Mitchelton and Tar & Roses winemaker who loved the riesling grape. So much budding complexity waiting to break through, with lifted floral aromatics, lemon, lime, citrus peel and a touch of exotic lemongrass. Concentrated on the palate, saturated in citrus intensity and length with a ribbon of apply spice with bright acidity that keeps on going. Wow!" (2021 vintage)

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Pale straw and really bright and vibrant in the glass. Lifted aromas of lemon pith, bath salts, jasmine, lychee and wet stone. Quite rich, soft and full flavoured, mandarin, tangelo, in the riper citrus spectrum, apple and pear in there as well. Round, full flavoured and easy drinking..." (2021 vintage)

Winemaker "Pale straw. The wine has attractive white blossom and orange skin characters on the nose. The palate flows well with generous fruit sweetness, citrus pith flavours combined with gentle acid complexity, textural phenolics with a clean finish."

The original Tar & Roses team of famed Don Lewis and Narelle King began their winemaking journey in Priorat, Spain, immersing themselves within the classic Mediterranean wine regions and varietals. This sparked an interest in how these varietals could be grown and made back home in their native regions of Central Victoria, Australia. Don, now passed was one of Australia's legendary winemakers earning the highest honour of winemaking in Australia, the prestigious Jimmy Watson award.

James Halliday "Tar & Roses produces wines inspired by the classic Mediterranean varietals and was named after the signature characteristics of Nebbiolo. The name also ties back to the winemaking team behind the venture, the legendary Don Lewis and his winemaking partner Narelle King. Narelle is carrying on the Tar & Roses tradition after Don's passing in 2017"

100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12.5%

Tar & Roses style of wines reflects the multi-region of Spain, Italy and Australia, as well as traditional winemaking alongside the new. All Tar & Roses wines are made using fruit grown in Heathcote, Strathbogie Ranges, Alpine Valley, King Valley and Priorat, Spain.

Central Victoria, Australia, is a region that's gained recognition for its flourishing wine industry. It's known for producing high-quality wines, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also Chardonnay, Viognier, and other varietals. The area's diverse microclimates, varying soil types, and elevation contribute to the production of distinctive wines.

Riesling is a light-skinned, aromatic grape of German origin which is – if the majority of top wine critics are to be believed – the world's finest white wine grape variety. The Riesling vine holds a very different place in the wine world to such great grapes as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay. While these immensely popular varieties have conquered every corner of the winegrowing world, Riesling is conspicuously absent from the core wine regions of France, Spain and Italy. Riesling's home is the regions that trace the middle Rhine and the lower Mosel, two of Europe's great wine rivers.

2 x Pikes Traditional Riesling 2023 - Clare Valley, Australia

95/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
94/100 James Suckling
93/100 Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
93/100 Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
93/100 Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot
Bronze - CellarTracker
95/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
95/100 Jeni Port, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
95/100 Ken Gargett (2021 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
93/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2021 vintage)

5 Stars - Halliday Wine Companion
People Choice Award 2023

Gold - Melbourne Wine Show (2021 vintage)

Vegan

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Lovely fragrant aromas of lemon, lime, bath salts, white flowers and feijoa. The palate has a real lushness of flavour, citrus, just-ripe stone fruit, lemon pith and talc. The acidity has a lively purity and drive and the length is really impressive. An outstanding wine and top value."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Beautifully fine and elegant, the wine shows lemon zest, crunchy apple and jasmine aromas on the nose, followed by a brilliantly focused palate delivering pristine fruit flavours with racy acidity. It’s mouth-watering and lingering with excellent fruit purity."

James Suckling "Wonderfully fragrant nose of lemon blossom, then juicy and vibrant on the sleek and super-straight palate, this is a prototypical Clare Valley dry riesling with a lot of lime fruit and a very zesty finish."

Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "You could rationalise that Pikes’ Traditionale Riesling is a bellwether wine that gives drinkers a good indication of what to expect from Clare riesling each year. At times unnervingly reliable. The ’22 is good gear – juicy, bright, zingy with acidity, ticklish and brisk in acid profile with juicy green apple and pink grapefruit fruitiness set around skittish, laser-like tang. Scents are good too, with floral, citrus blossom and jasmine and whiffs of lime and grapefruit again in the mix. It finds a good balance between fruitiness, refreshment factor and tension, too. A great drink right here."

Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front "It has body, it has flavour, it has lilt, it has length. Lime, apple and riverstone flavours ripple throughout, energetically for sure but with enough meander for you to have time to enjoy it. It’s racy but it’s more than that, and that’s its charm."

Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot "Exceptional value here in this Clare Valley Riesling which punches well above its weight with serious intensity of lime pith and wet stone aromas that are robust and forceful. The class is repeated on the palate with fantastic density of ripe fruit underpinned by firm acidity that drives a lengthy finish. Delicious now but has the power and integrity to also age well."

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Very youthful in the glass. Aromas of lemon rind, white flowers, talc and jasmine. Zesty, lemony and tangy on the palate, lovely brightness and freshness, quite delicate. A lovely line of crunchy acidity rounds the flavours out very nicely. The length is impressive." (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "Bright lime and apple aromas here with a very fresh stance. Some white peach in the mix, too. The palate has a wealth of powerful lime and white-peach flavor with good depth and concentration. Impressive." (2021 vintage)

Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Pure joy here! Lime zest, lemon pith, citrus blossom, brine, green apple skins and plenty of plush – almost ripe – stone fruit on the palate. This is generous and attractive, the acidity providing the tension and structure that it needs to elevate it into deliciousness. And delicious it is." (2021 vintage)

Pikes is a prestigious winery in South Australia's Clare Valley, established in 1984 by Neil and Andrew Pike, whose viticultural roots go back to the late 1800s. Situated in the picturesque Clare Valley, the Estate is comprised of approximately 100 hectares of rolling slopes in Polish Hill River, an eastern sub-region of the Clare Valley.
Known for its cool climate and diverse grape varieties, Pikes showcases premium wines with distinct characters and flavors due to the unique terroir and altitude.

After an almost 20-year career with Penfolds Wines and Southcorp Wine Group, Andrew joined Pikes on a full-time basis in 1998 to oversee viticultural operations and manage the growing family business.

Pikes is particularly renowned for its high-quality Riesling and other cool-climate wines, praised for vibrant acidity, citrus flavors, and exceptional aging potential. Whilst they are best known for world-class Riesling, they have been growing Shiraz and Cabernet for 35 years and have 20 different grape varieties planted on their estate, producing a wide range of wine styles to suit all tastes.

Pikes pride themselves on producing quality handcrafted wines, that reflect vintage, variety, and region. The Pike family has been producing quality wine, beer, and aerated waters in South Australia since 1886 it is a family tradition of which they should be very proud.

Their vineyards in Clare Valley grow various grape varieties, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and environmental responsibility.

Their portfolio includes Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and unique blends, all crafted with a dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Over the years, Pikes has garnered numerous awards, establishing itself as a top producer in the Clare Valley, and gaining recognition both nationally and internationally for their excellent and consistent wines.

Riesling is a light-skinned, aromatic grape of German origin which is – if the majority of top wine critics are to be believed – the world's finest white wine grape variety. The Riesling vine holds a very different place in the wine world to such great grapes as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay. While these immensely popular varieties have conquered every corner of the winegrowing world, Riesling is conspicuously absent from the core wine regions of France, Spain and Italy. Riesling's home is the regions that trace the middle Rhine and the lower Mosel, two of Europe's great wine rivers.

2 x Pikes The Merle Riesling 2023 - Clare Valley, Australia

99/100 Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
97/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
96/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
96/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
95/100 James Suckling
95/100 Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
95/100 Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
99/100 Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
97/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
96/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
95/100 Mike Bennie, The Wine Front (2021 vintage)
95/100 Decanter (2021 vintage)
93/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
98/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
94/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)

5 Stars - Halliday Wine Companion
People Choice Award 2023

Trophy - Best Riesling Winewise Championship 2023
Gold - Clare Valley Wine Show 2022
Gold - Langton's Clare Valley Regional Wine Show (2021 vintage)

Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot "If there is a better Riesling made in Australia this decade, I want to know about it. This is so close to perfect, it deserves full points but I think it might just get even better and I need the wiggle room."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "An exceptional offering; the delicately lifted bouquet shows lemon pith, lime sorbet, white floral and wet limestone nuances, leading to an impressively concentrated palate displaying linear mouthfeel backed by firm acidity. Exquisite and pure, delivering outstanding line and length."

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Pale straw, bright and really youthful in the glass. Fragrant, pretty and lifted aromas of lemon pith, bath salts, citrus blossom and wet slate. Fine, delicate and pointed on the palate, mouth-wateringly citrusy, juicy, mineral, pithy with lip-smackingly crunchy acidity. This is a class act and has a long life ahead of it. "

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...a product of the excellent 2022 season that birthed it. The Merle is traditionally a structural and streamlined wine, and this vintage iteration continues the established theme. Lithe, almost muscular and loaded with juicy acidity, this wine, in this year, deserves to be put down for a while. With pureness, strength, fruit power, coiled, springy acidity and length for days, this is sensational Riesling."

Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front "The purity of this is quite something. It’s more than that of course, it has a semblance of texture, and lots of length, and enough spread to the flavour profile to keep it from seeming simple. It also has some X factor, or something difficult to describe, which just makes you feel in the most confident and reassuring of hands. But the purity, well, it gets you in the feels, it’s the land and the vines in an embrace so tight they seem as one, like the sound of the sea inside a shell. Clare Valley Riesling. More than a cliche. Twist the top and you’re there."

James Suckling "This is still extremely youthful, the nose pure lemon sherbet in the first moment, but slowly revealing a wide spectrum of citrus notes, including lemon blossom. Very racy and tightly wound on the concentrated and sleek palate. You need to like acidity to fully appreciate the samurai sword-like finish at this early stage in its life. Drinkable now, but best from 2024. "

Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "The Merle commands attention at the apex of 'reserve' Clare Valley riesling styles. This is no slouch. It's complex and potent, precise and exceptional in its carriage of flavour and the detail within. It's very aromatic, redolent of fresh lime, green apple, ozone, ginger, jasmine and thyme. Flavours are similar but set within a very fresh feeling, chalky textured rapier thrust of tart lime, pink grapefruit and tangerine fruitiness, offset with very minerally, briny tang. An epic wine."

Trophy - Best Riesling Winewise Championship 2023 "The lime blossom fragrance of Clare is clearly evident, and the palate is intense and long, yet delicate, built around a line of pronounced acidity that guarantees a long cellaring life. World-class dry riesling."

Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot "Terrific intensity here, incredible length and perfect structure. This wine offers more chalky soil notes (or at least, that is what it appears to do), along with those beautiful fresh lime characters. This is a stunning Riesling. The flavours explode across the palate. It has a life of twenty years ahead of it and many more, if you can be that patient. If there is a better Riesling made in Australia this decade, I want to know about it.” (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "This has very intense aromas of lime and wet slate with some sweeter florals, as well as white nectarine. So fresh. The palate has intensity and drive, with the same fresh lime and white-nectarine flavors. Very long and vivid." (2021 vintage)

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Pale straw, green tints, really youthful in the glass. Aromas of lime leaf, jasmine, feijoa, just-ripe white stone fruit and grapefruit pith. Racy, fine, focused and concentrated on the palate. Lashings of zesty citrus, green melon, brown lime, talc and minerally wet-stone. A touch of grip adds to the mouth-feel and adds texture and length. A very complete riesling ." (2021 vintage)

Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "An imperial standard, of sorts! Lemongrass, lime cordial, green apples. Huzzah! A touch of blackcurrant too? Perhaps. Attractive, varietal scents. Zingy and energetic to taste, compact, bracing with its core of steely, lemon juice acidity. Pent up, powerful, tight and very long. Bone dry. Excellent, classic expression. A Very Good Example." (2021 vintage)

Decanter "Already established in the wine industry, in 1984 the Pike family pooled resources to purchase its first 27ha. The Merle is named after the family matriarch, in tribute to their history and tradition. The highly regarded 2021 release is made from just three blocks among the best parcels of their own vineyards in the Polish Hill River estate. Justin Knock MW: Super-precise, steely and pinpoint, salivating, refreshing, lime juice, wet rocks, slippery thirsty acidity. Really lovely balance and finesse. Roger Jones: Gentle, spiced honeycomb, fresh yellow florals, clean and pure, touch of wet stone, delicate jasmine, clementine citrus peel. A wine to age, with great character, depth and woven citrus-curd acidity. Julia Sewell: Candied lemon peel, green mango and green pear aromas. Punchy and powerful, this holds nothing back, yet is balanced across all elements. With a seamless and strikingly juicy palate, a hint of something tropical adds an exotic element." (2021 vintage)

Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "The nose here is littered with characters that take some time to unpick: green pineapple, green and red apple skins, white peach, lemon zest, lime flesh and beeswax. Layers of white pepper, crushed chalk and hints of garden mint round this out. It's incredibly detailed and interesting, not to mention long." (2021 vintage)

James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion "...luscious, but that's the impact of this wine. It's citrus focused, of course, and it also has keynote acidity, but it's the honeyed mouthfeel and flavour that hits the jackpot." (2020 vintage)

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Pale straw colour. Very fresh, youthful, restrained and subtle on the nose. Lemon juice and subtle herbs. The palate is juicy, the faintest trace of sweetness balancing the vibrant acidity. Dried herbs and dried flowers. Still slightly yeasty. Rapier-like acidity. Lean, nervy and tight, demanding time and patience. Potential-plus." (2020 vintage)

James Suckling "A very fine, fresh and focused riesling, as is the style of Merle. The nose has intense lime and flint aromas with attractive wet-stone and spice notes. The palate is cleverly pitched and poised with a long stream of unwavering lime flavor." (2020 vintage)

Pikes is a prestigious winery in South Australia's Clare Valley, established in 1984 by Neil and Andrew Pike, whose viticultural roots go back to the late 1800s. Situated in the picturesque Clare Valley, the Estate is comprised of approximately 100 hectares of rolling slopes in Polish Hill River, an eastern sub-region of the Clare Valley.
Known for its cool climate and diverse grape varieties, Pikes showcases premium wines with distinct characters and flavors due to the unique terroir and altitude.

After an almost 20-year career with Penfolds Wines and Southcorp Wine Group, Andrew joined Pikes on a full-time basis in 1998 to oversee viticultural operations and manage the growing family business.

Pikes is particularly renowned for its high-quality Riesling and other cool-climate wines, praised for vibrant acidity, citrus flavors, and exceptional aging potential. Whilst they are best known for world-class Riesling, they have been growing Shiraz and Cabernet for 35 years and have 20 different grape varieties planted on their estate, producing a wide range of wine styles to suit all tastes.

Pikes pride themselves on producing quality handcrafted wines, that reflect vintage, variety, and region. The Pike family has been producing quality wine, beer, and aerated waters in South Australia since 1886 it is a family tradition of which they should be very proud.

Their vineyards in Clare Valley grow various grape varieties, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture and environmental responsibility.

Their portfolio includes Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and unique blends, all crafted with a dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Over the years, Pikes has garnered numerous awards, establishing itself as a top producer in the Clare Valley, and gaining recognition both nationally and internationally for their excellent and consistent wines.

Riesling is a light-skinned, aromatic grape of German origin which is – if the majority of top wine critics are to be believed – the world's finest white wine grape variety. The Riesling vine holds a very different place in the wine world to such great grapes as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay. While these immensely popular varieties have conquered every corner of the winegrowing world, Riesling is conspicuously absent from the core wine regions of France, Spain and Italy. Riesling's home is the regions that trace the middle Rhine and the lower Mosel, two of Europe's great wine rivers.