GIESEN GEMSTONE RIESLING 2025

Giesen are indisputable masters of the Riesling grape. Once again this has a good portion of the wine fermented and matured in Giesen's very special granite tanks. Why granite? Granite has been used for centuries in Europe, where Giesen sourced these tanks made from a single slab of granite. The tanks moderate the fermentation temperature and act in a similar way to barrels without imparting oakiness into the wine. An off-dry medium style, this is definitely a different take on Riesling having much more subtlety and rounded texture.

Winery notes (2025 Vintage)
"Introducing our 2025 limited release Gemstone Riesling. Once again we’ve brought together grapes from exceptional vineyards to craft a wine that reflects the unique character of this vintage. We fermented and matured a portion of the blend in granite, creating this precious gem: Gemstone by Giesen.

Expect wonderful lime and subtle tropical fruit aromas on the nose. The palate bursts with sweet mandarin and lemon sherbet. Tight acidity gives the wine a delicious raciness, while the textured palate and residual sweetness provide richness and a finish that is balanced and moreish.

Fruit was lightly pressed at the winery, then cold settled and racked before being fermented in stainless steel and granite fermenters. These special granite tanks are made from one giant slab of plutonic rock, a tradition the French have embraced for centuries. Much like oak barrels, granite allows a gentle exchange of air during fermentation and subtly ‘sweats’, enhancing the wine’s concentration. This ensures the portion matured in granite is clean, bright, and full of flavour. The fermentation was stopped at the desired residual sugar level to balance the mouthwatering natural acidity. The wine is racked post fermentation, then matured on light lees for 5 months to build texture and complexity."