Two happy hunting grounds for Riesling: Alsace and Austria.

These bottles satisfied, the Trimbach for its purity and freshness, and the Stadt Krems for its depth of flavour and richness of texture. Both are affordable (I bought the Austrian for £10 a few years back, and the Trimbach is similarly priced), but deliver the sort of quality you’d normally pay a lot more for.

Trimbach Riesling 2010 Alsace, France
12.5% alcohol. Fresh, lemony and crisp with good acidity but also a hint of honeyed richness. Really fresh and full flavoured, in a bone dry, citrussy style. Hints of pear and melon, too. Like a top Aussie Riesling, with an extra dimension. Great value. 90/100 (£10.99 Majestic)

Stadt Krems Steinterrassen Riesling 2006 Kremstal, Austria
13% alcohol, sealed with a Vino-Lok. Rich gold colour. Lovely ripe aromatic nose of melon, sweet apple and peach fruit. The palate is sweetly fruited and richly textured with a hint of spice and apricot and citrus notes. Drinking beautifully now, tasting sweet although it is dry. 92/100

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