Review: Grosset 2011 Off-Dry Watervale Riesling
- vinterest
- Jul 27, 2014
- 2 min read
The low-down: It’s been two years since we picked this up in Australia, and apparently we can lay this down for another seven years … but we couldn’t keep our hands of this little beauty cultivated by Jeffrey Grosset, popularly known as the King of Aussie Riesling.
The Watervale Riesling comes from the Springvale vineyard, the less famous of the two Grosset vineyards. Both have been producing Grosset vintages for the last 27 years. According to Langtons, Springvale is considered to have more restraint and fruit than its more powerful sibling vineyard Polish Hill. Most riesling produced in the Clare Valley is "dry", i.e. not sweet. "Off-dry" implies a touch of sweetness.
There is a tendency these days to dismiss riesling as being too sweet a wine - which is a shame as it produces a nuanced and long lived wine with succesful examples in both Europe and Austraia. If you aren't a fan of sweet wine, then start trying some of the great dry or "trocken" riesling out there!
For the Dubai residents, Le Clos at the airport offers both Grosset rieslings and his Gaia cabernet sauvignon.
The take: On appearance, one of the most transparent wines we have ever seen. Pale, lemony. with no legs (no surprise given 11.5% alcohol). On the nose initially lemon, citrus and candy; and with time pineapple and chives. On the attack, rich and fleshy with grapefruit, effervescence and sugary hints. With time it becomes ever so smooth and creamy.
In closing: Well balanced, refreshing and smooth, however, with just a little too much sugar. My drinking partner A neatly summarizes it as a summer drink - no surprise then that Grosset suggests pairing it with Thai food or summer meals.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Australia
Region: Clare Valley
Producer: Grosset
Vintage: 2011
Grape: Riesling
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Serving temperature: 6-8°
Price range: Mid-range
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