Australian Reislings Emerging

One way to learn more about wine is to pay attention to the columns in news papers-usually the food and wine section.  In the October 4, 2006 edition of the New York Times, Eric Asimov shares his discovery of the reislings of Australia in his Wines of the Times column, "Australia's New Threat to Reisling Royalty."  In the past, Australia has been known for mass-producing reisling grapes that are not so palate-friendly.  Most of us are used to seeing more of the quality reislings come from Germany, Austria and France.  However, Asimov explains that these Australian reislings are not of the typical stature and he expects that they will be seen [increasingly more on wine lists in the coming years].  Of the 25 wines tasted, the following list is comprised of the ones that stood out among the crowd. 

Stonehaven South Australia Winemaker’s Selection 2005
$13 *** Peach and mineral aromas; balanced and expressive. (Importer: Excelsior Wine and Spirits, Old Brookville, N.Y.)

Betts & Scholl Eden Valley 2005
$30 **½ Balanced and substantial with mineral, lime and spice flavors. (Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, N.Y.)

Mitchell Clare Valley Watervale 2004
$17??½ Zesty and appealing with lingering citrus, floral and mineral flavors. (Click Imports, Seattle)

Grosset Clare Valley Polish Hill 2005
$35 **½ Floral aromas with mineral and anise flavors; improves in the glass. (U.S.A. Wine West, Sausalito, Calif.)

Leeuwin Estate Margaret River Art Series 2004
$22 **½ Tightly coiled with intense, earthy lime and mineral flavors. (Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, Calif.)

Lengs & Cooter Clare Valley Watervale 2005
$18 ** Flowery and delicate with a touch of sweetness. (The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, Calif.)

List taken from: Asimov, Eric. Wines of the Times: Australia's New Threat to Reisling Royalty, 2006.

I recommend reading this article for yourself.  There is also a multi-media stream that is included so you get the true sense of what Asimov and his fellow wine tasters think of this emergence of quality Australian reislings.  If you don't already (you may need to so you can read the article), subscribe to NYTimes.com - it's Free!