Grant Burge Barossa Vines Riesling, Barossa Valley 2004; Weingut Ed. Weegmüller Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2002.
The Australians have done more than anybody to turn the world's attention back to Riesling with their zingy, lime-fresh expressions of what many wine pundits consider the world's finest white grape. Germany still struggles to shake off its reputation for sweet, watery, inferior wines - sad, given that is it the home of some of the most stupendous Rieslings of all. Why not try these two and see which style you prefer? They are both sensationally summery.
Grant Burge Barossa Vines Riesling, Barossa Valley 2004. Be warned: this is the kind of bottle that will be empty within minutes. Burge's light, citrussy Riesling is so deliciously drinkable that it just disappears - leaving, second warning, a ravenous appetite in its wake. A star aperitif or first course white. From Vintry, Rathgar; Higgins, Clonskeagh; McCabes, Mount Merrion & Gables, Foxrock; Bourkes, Cabinteely; Kellys, Clontarf; Wine Vault, Portlaoise; Wine Bottle, Dungarvan; Vineyard, Limerick & Galway; selected Spar, Londis & Cheers outlets, €11.99-€12.49.
Weingut Ed. Weegmüller Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2002. I can't remember when I last enjoyed a German Riesling costing under €20 as much as this. From the southerly Pflaz region, it has glorious aromas of ripe apples and honey, with a subtle mineral undertow - immediately enticing. Intense flavours fan out on the palate with alluring freshness and, I promise you, a long, bone-dry finish. For the money, this wine delivers an awful lot - and at 11.5 per cent alcohol you can drink a lot of it, too. Super as an aperitif, with light Chinese dishes or roast pork and apple sauce. From Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson St; Le Caveau, Kilkenny, €13.99.