Raising Riesling – Celebrating Great Southern Riesling

Seriously you can’t go wrong spending an arvo sipping on Great Southern Riesling, enjoying delightful canapes and listening to live music. Mr. Spittoon and I just got home from Raising Riesling at the Perth Royal Yacht Club so I thought I would share some pictures from the event as I protest against the thought of it being Monday tomorrow!

A big thanks to the Great Southern Wine Producers Association for inviting us along. It was so great to uncover some new labels and try some young and old Rieslings – it truly is a fantastic varietal that can be crafted into a number of different styles.

Flavours ranged from citrus driven tipples (lemon, lime, grapefruit) to lovely orchard fruit notes (green apple, pear, nectarine, apricot) to flavoursome tropical fruits (guava, mango, melon) to herbal and floral characters (jasmine, honeysuckle, vanilla, white pepper) to those beeswax, wet stone and petroleum flavours. I love events like this, as you really see that each and every wine has its own unique individuality even when they’re made from the same grape!

So here’s a few snaps to recap the afternoon – grab a glass of wine (Great Southern Riesling to be exact) and sit back and enjoy!

 Larry Cherubino

A lovely start to the event, the minimal intervention Laissez Faire from Porongurup was deliciously light and pretty with finely tuned acidity. The top-level Cherubino Riesling was a step up a notch with more fruit flavours emerging that left you licking your lips!

Rising Star

I loooved meeting Texan couple Paul and Gwen of Rising Star Wines. How could you not go over and chat to a couple wearing gold Texas Ranger name badges! Originally from Austin and Houston in the States this lovely American couple have been in WA nearly 10 years. The 2014 which is yet to be properly released was tasting great, the 2013 absolutely delectable and the Botrytis Riesling was divine! Keep an eye on these guys, they’ll be opening a cellar door just out of Denmark in 2016!

Alkoomi

Having the chance to try a 2005 and 2015 alongside each other was fantastic. Lots of minerality and flintiness in these ones – amazing freshness in the 2005!

Trevelen Farm

Another producer I haven’t come across before. Loved the bright lime green colour of the 2015 and it’s vibrant aromatic nose.

Gilberts

The 2008 was sensational and one of Mr. Spittoon’s favourites from the afternoon!

Castle Rock Estate

A great line-up of rather different styles – each one had a uniquely delicious character. The 2013 in particular had a lovely creaminess to it.

Brave New Wines

I am so glad I finally got to try some of the tipples from Brave New Wines. I have been following them on Facebook for some time. I loved hearing more about the ceramic eggs used for fermentation and the interesting bottles that are home to their wines. They definitely have some very interesting wines which you need to try if you get the chance!

Abbey Farm

I was absolutely swooning over the 2011 Riesling from Abbey Farm – the limey acidity, the wet stone characters and the delicious refreshing taste.

Galafrey Wines

It was so good to try a couple of the Galafrey Rieslings after tasting the Muller Thurgau recently. Definitely a producer to keep your eyes on folks!

3 Drops

By gosh look at that magnum of Riesling – who wouldn’t want one of these in their fridge right now?? Always good to bump into Jo from 3 Drops and sip on her tasty tipples and olive oil!

Castelli Estate

I’m a huge fan of the Castelli wines, and this 2009 is a stunner! It’s completely moreish with its honeyed characters and super long finish.

Clos du Tertre

Amazing!!! Totally loved this 2014 Riesling, it was like a lemon tart in a bottle – I was absolutely stocked to come across this wee gem.

Singlefile

Always good to run into Singlefile, they never disappoint. Interesting to try the low-alcohol Run Free Nouveau too!
 We enjoyed some lovely canapes supplied by the Hyatt Regency Perth and the shucker himself, Jerry Fraser was there serving up plates of half-dozen oysters for $10.  All up it was a fab afternoon, we have uncovered even more delicious Great Southern Wines – I just wish I could have made it around to try everything! There were many more awesome producers there including; Estate 807, Ferngrove, Frankland Estate, Howard Park and Plantagenet.