Wines Canberra District Clonakilla - Riesling - 2025

Viniou Reviews

Clonakilla’s 2025 Riesling from the Canberra District stands as an elegant ambassador for Australian cool-climate whites. Crafted solely from Riesling grapes, this cuvée expresses the variety’s renowned clarity and expressiveness. The nose is lifted with lime blossom and lemon peel, underscored by subtle mineral and flinty nuances. The palate is vibrant and racy, hallmarking this region’s reputation for dry, aromatic, and age-worthy Rieslings. The winemaking at Clonakilla typically involves gentle pressing, cool fermentation in inert vessels to preserve aromatics, and meticulous attention to cleanliness and precision, resulting in a pure, fruit-driven wine with laser-like acidity.

The Canberra District, nestled between the Brindabella Ranges and the rolling hills, benefits from a continental climate with cool nights and warm days, ideal for slow grape maturation. The soils are a patchwork of decomposed granite and alluvial deposits, lending a distinctive minerality and providing excellent drainage. Though a young wine region by global standards, the Canberra District has quickly established a strong international reputation, particularly for crisp whites and nuanced Shiraz Viognier blends. Pioneers like Clonakilla have played a pivotal role, drawing inspiration from old-world traditions while embracing the unique Australian terroir.

With its zingy acidity and purity, this Riesling is a brilliant aperitif and partners beautifully with seafood dishes such as fresh oysters, sashimi, or chargrilled Moreton Bay bugs—a nod to Australia’s rich coastline. For a regional pairing, consider pan-fried Murray cod with lemon and herbs, or even a crisp Waldorf salad. Spicy Asian dishes, like Thai green curry or Vietnamese grilled prawns, also complement the wine’s freshness and drive.

Serve this Riesling well chilled, at a temperature of 6-8°C, to best reveal its precision and aromatic vibrancy. While already delightful in youth, a few years in the cellar will unveil deeper complexity and developed notes of toast and honey. Enjoy your bottle in its early years for its pure, citrus charm or revisit it in five to eight years for added depth.