Grosset Alea Riesling WO Clare Valley 0.75L

An Australian Riesling that is stylistically closer to the Mosel than to the Pacific: The Alea from Grosset Wines shows what the Clare Valley can do when one consistently follows the European viticultural philosophy.

Jeffrey Grosset is considered one of the pioneers of Australian Riesling and has been working for decades in the hills of the Clare Valley, about 130 kilometers north of Adelaide. The region is known for its daily temperature fluctuations of up to 20 degrees — exactly what Riesling needs for its characteristic tension between fruit and acidity. The Alea comes from a specific vineyard with its own character and is vinified according to European standards: precision over opulence.

In the glass, it shows lime zest and white peach, underpinned by a fine minerality that is reminiscent of wet pebbles. The acidity is lively but integrated — not a sharp cut, but a long-lasting freshness that carries the finish. Dry-vinified, with a clear structure.

With food, it pairs well with grilled sea bass with caper butter, with prawns with lemongrass, or with a fresh goat cheese. Drinking temperature: 8–10 °C.