2025 Alter Weg
This wine was made from 100% Riesling grown in the organic certified Isolation Ridge Vineyard at Frankland Estate. A selection of small ferments was made from parcels of fruit harvested in some younger close planted Geisenheim clone vines planted in 2006 on a high ironstone rocky ridge. This combines with some of Frankland Estate’s original parcels of Riesling planted in 1988. We have found over the years that our organic practices have led to higher acid levels at higher ripeness levels and what we aim for in Alter Weg Is the maximum ripeness we can achieve. The barrel maturation gives the wine a notable roundness and fullness whilst in keeping with the fine line achieved by our organic Rieslings at Frankland Estate. A complex balanced Riesling that will gain further complexity with age.
- Close-planted 2006 Geisenheim vines on the high ironstone ridge, with original 1988 Riesling.
- No additions; cloudy juice wild fermented in old 1,600 L and 500 L oak, 11 months on lees.
- Mandarin peel, green tea and a bittersweet amaro note over pulpy lime.
- Size
- 750mL
- Type
- White
- Varietal
- Riesling
Vineyard
Viticulture
Winter was cool with modest rainfall that led into a dry spring and summer. Summer was warmer than normal until the start of February when temperatures cooled, allowing the fruit to ripen more slowly and develop some lovely flavours. Budburst was earlier than normal which led to an earlier that average harvest date. The fruit was picked from the 20th of February to 10th March
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The nose is lifted and inviting, showing aromas of mandarin peel and fresh lemon layered with subtle notes of green tea, mealiness and almond. A distinctive amaro like nuance brings an attractive bittersweet complexity, adding depth to the citrus-driven profile.
Palate
The palate is precise and energetic, defined by a long saline acid drive that carries the wine with purpose and persistence. Concentrated pulpy lime fruit fills the mid-palate, providing texture and flavour intensity, while the finish remains fresh, clean and finely etched. A Riesling of purity and focus, balancing vibrant citrus fruit with savoury complexity and refreshing minerality.
Winemaking
Wine Making
No additions of any kind are used in the making of Alter Weg Riesling. All Riesling grapes are harvested as cool as possible and pressed immediately, slow press cycles allow for soft and long extraction of juice. Picking decisions are made on ripeness and fruitfulness, with the main aim of working with natural balance yet seeking greater ripeness. A cloudy juice is run to a combination of 1600ltr and 500ltr old oak barrels where fermentation is achieved with wild yeast, left on its lees for 11 months in barrel continues to build the textural element we are lookingfor in this wine.
Certifications
Certified Organic | Vegan Friendly
Distributed in Australia by Principal Wine.