Grosset Alea Riesling 2022

The 2022 vintage has been rated 9/10 as a 'landmark' year for Clare Valley, meaning exceptional growing conditions produced rieslings with outstanding concentration and balance. Landmark vintages in Clare Valley typically occur when cool nights preserve acidity while warm days develop intense fruit flavours, creating wines with both immediate appeal and long-term ageing potential. This vintage quality elevates the Grosset Alea beyond typical expectations for the style.

With 8 grams per litre of residual sugar, this riesling sits in the off-dry category, providing just enough sweetness to balance the naturally high acidity that Clare Valley rieslings are famous for. This level creates a harmonious interplay where the sugar doesn't dominate but rather enhances the citrus and floral notes, making the wine more approachable while young yet still capable of developing the classic petrol and honey characteristics that aged rieslings are prized for.

Jeffrey Grosset has built his reputation through decades of consistently producing world-class rieslings that compete internationally, particularly focusing on expressing Clare Valley's unique terroir. His commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, combined with maintaining a small team of just 8 people, allows for meticulous attention to detail that larger operations can't match. This approach has resulted in wines that regularly score 95+ points and are recognised as benchmarks for Australian riesling style globally.

The light body and off-dry profile make this riesling incredibly versatile with food, particularly excelling with spicy Asian cuisines where the residual sugar balances heat while the acidity cuts through rich sauces. The grapefruit and lime notes complement seafood beautifully, especially shellfish and white fish preparations, while the jasmine aromatics pair wonderfully with aromatic herbs and lighter poultry dishes. The wine's freshness also makes it an excellent aperitif on its own.

Clare Valley rieslings are renowned for their ageing potential, and this Grosset Alea can be enjoyed now for its fresh citrus character or cellared for 10-15 years to develop more complex honey and petrol notes. Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place at around 12-15°C to preserve the delicate aromatics. The high acidity and quality of the 2022 vintage suggest this wine will reward patience, gradually evolving from bright fruit flavours to the more nuanced, mineral-driven profile that makes aged Australian riesling so distinctive.