Australia

Riesling in Australia

Until Chardonnay made its appearance in the 1970s Riesling was the most planted white wine grape in Australia. It has a 200-year long history to look back on. Regions like Clare Valley, Victoria or Frankland River produce Riesling wines with a distinct character of their own. In terms of volume Riesling may not be a key player in Australia's viticulture, but in the light of Riesling's rising popularity all over the world it is an important wine in Australia's export-oriented wine industry.

For a wine to be labeled Riesling the Australian wine law stipulates that at least 85% of the wine must be Riesling. A maximum of 15% of other varieties may be blended in.