Rieslingfreak No.9 Clare Valley Sekt Sparkling Riesling 2022

Rieslingfreak No.9 Clare Valley Sekt Sparkling Riesling 2022 is a distinctive Australian sparkling wine crafted entirely from Riesling. It comes from Rieslingfreak’s family property in White Hutt, within South Australia’s Clare Valley. The fruit is selected from the oldest Riesling block high on the valley wall, where cooler conditions help preserve natural acidity and delicate fruit character. Made as a dry sparkling wine, No.9 reflects the German inspiration behind the Sekt style while retaining a clear Clare Valley identity. After primary fermentation, the wine was prepared for tirage in June 2022 and completed secondary fermentation in bottle by September 2022. It then spent three years on yeast lees, developing texture, creaminess and subtle autolytic complexity.

Disgorged in June 2025, the 2022 release combines vivid Riesling fruit with the savoury detail of traditional-method sparkling winemaking. The wine is extremely dry, with only 1.5g/L residual sugar, allowing the citrus, white peach and natural acidity to remain precise and focused. Aromas of citrus, white peach, floral honey and toasted brioche lead into a bright, fine and refreshing palate. Lees ageing contributes a soft creamy mouthfeel while the natural acidity gives the wine drive, lift and length. It is a unique sparkling expression for lovers of Riesling, offering both varietal purity and méthode traditionnelle complexity. This wine is well suited to oysters, seafood, sushi, light appetisers and fresh summer dishes.