The grapes are exclusively sourced from the Bellarmine vineyard in the high quality cool climate region of Pemberton in South-Western Australia. Planted in 2000 by hand, the vines are trained to Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) to give optimum exposure of the fruit to sunshine during the ripening season which occurs from December to late March. The soils are red gravel laterite soils which provide excellent drainage and give warmth to the vines' root systems at night from the sunshine the red gravel has absorbed during the daylight hours. Bellarmine wines famously makes three different styles of Riesling, each with its own story and appeal. One of very few vineyards in Pemberton to grow Riesling, it is the fact that the vineyard is owned by a German couple, Dr Willi and Gudrun Schumacher, that we can give thanks that we live in such a multicultural country.

Harvested in the cool of the night at optimum flavour levels as determined by the winemaker. This wine is made from both the first 'free run' juice taken from the initial crushing of the grapes and from the light pressings of the skins. The pressings portion gives this wine greater depth of ripe flavours which suit its slightly sweet style. Fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel as with the other Rieslings so that oak is avoided and the natural characters of the variety are optimised. Sudden chilling of the tank occurs when the wine has only about one baume of sugar left to convert into alcohol. This stops the yeast cells and results in the wine being slightly sweet and very appealing to all different types of wine lovers.

A very long distance investment by German residents Dr Willi and Gudrun Schumacher, ending up in the wilds of Pemberton. A spotlessly clean, delicate bouquet of citrus blossom and spice is followed by a beautifully balanced palate in Mosel Kabinett style, the essence of lime juice offset by crisp acidity. From Pemberton, WA Drink to 2019 with gazpacho; 95 points, $17.99, Screwcap, 11% alc 95 points – The Weekend Australian November 14-15, 2009