Gilberts Alira Riesling 2023

Tasting Notes

• Appearance
  Pale straw with a bright, youthful sheen.
• Aromatics
  Alira is full of lemon and lime notes, with hints of citrus blossom and juicy apple. The sweetness on the nose is balanced by a fresh, zesty lift.
• Palate
  Elegant and soft, with flavours of lemon cordial, lime zest and ripe green apple. The medium sweetness is beautifully supported by gentle acidity, giving a fine finish of fresh fruit rather than anything sticky. Light in body but high in fruit intensity, it glides across the palate and keeps you coming back for another sip.

Style Scale

• Body: Light to medium

• Sweetness: Medium

• Acidity: Low, soft and refreshing rather than sharp

• Tannin: Very low

• Fruitiness: High

Lower Alcohol

At just 10.5% alcohol, Alira sits a little lighter than many Australian Rieslings, which often land closer to 11.5–12.5%. That lower alcohol is a direct result of the style: the fruit is picked with bright natural acidity and the ferment is stopped early to retain around 19.7 g/L of natural grape sugar, so less sugar is converted into alcohol. The payoff is a softer, more approachable Riesling that still tastes refreshing, with gentle sweetness and citrus drive, and a lower alcohol level that makes it perfect for long lunches or pairing with spicy food without feeling heavy.

Viticulture & Winemaking

• Region: Great Southern, Western Australia

• Variety: 100 percent Riesling

Winemaking

• Fruit picked at the same time as the dry Riesling for lively natural acidity

• Alira is made from the second pressings of this fruit, giving extra flavour and a softer texture

• Ferment stopped earlier than the dry Riesling, leaving about 19.7 g/L residual sugar

• Crafted as an off dry to medium sweet style that remains bright, pure and refreshing

Serving & Cellaring

• Serve well chilled at 8 degrees

• Perfect as an aperitif or picnic wine

• Best enjoyed over the next 3 to 5 years while it is vibrant and fruit forward

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Thai green curry or Vietnamese salads with chilli and lime

• Spicy laksa or drier Indian curries

• Pork belly with apple and fennel slaw

• Fresh prawns with sweet chilli and lime dipping sauce

• Soft cheeses, charcuterie and fruit platters

FAQ 🧐

Is it very sweet?
It sits on the border of medium dry and medium sweet. Think gentle sweetness balanced by citrusy acidity, rather than dessert wine levels of sugar.

If I normally drink dry whites, will I like this?
Most likely, yes. The sweetness is subtle and the wine finishes fresh, making it a great “bridge” style for dry white drinkers.

When should I drink it?
Any time you want something refreshing and easy, especially with spicy or salty food. It is also a brilliant summer fridge staple.

A soft, citrusy off dry Riesling that is friendly, versatile and dangerously drinkable – exactly what Alira is meant to be. 🍋✨