Here's the review and link

 http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/culture/7955-WORLD-BACCHUS-Semillon-versus-Riesling.html

WORLD OF BACCHUS: Semillon versus Riesling
15/01/2010 01:16:00 Dr. Baudouin Neirynck, PhD


Semillon is one of the classic white wine grapes of the French Bordeaux region, whether in the “Entre-Deux-Mers”, Sauternes or Pessac Léognan areas. Also called Hunter Riesling, Barnawartha Pinot or Sercial in Australia, this is a prolific grape variety yielding good and fruity volumes of grapes. Wine makers use its aromatic fruit character in blends to compensate for the vegetal tones of some of the other varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc. The Hunter Valley is where Semillon is king in Australia but Clare Valley and its Watervale sub-region also holds a high reputation for the production of quality Semillon wines. Often described as “waxy” in their youth, Semillon wines can develop butterscotch and honey flavor later but the main fruit present in the aroma spectrum is fig.
Riesling has been introduced in this column a number of times. In Australia, there are 9,550 acres or 3,900 hectares of the variety planted, making it the second most popular grape variety after Chardonnay. As South Australia initial immigrants were mainly from Germany, it is no wonder the grape is so popular in that region. Riesling piercing acidity, floral aroma and complex nose make it the white wine with the best ability to stand the test of time. It is not rare to find in Germany some Riesling with 20 years in the bottle and still tasting as fresh as one or two years after the harvest.
Kilikanoon is an award-winning boutique winery located in Clare Valley, South Australia producing, under Kevin Mitchell, founder, stunning regional and varietal wines with a strong individuality.

Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Watervale Riesling
Appellation: Clare Valley
Year: 2009
Area: South Australia
Type: 100% Riesling
Color/Style: Dry White, Light Body 12,5% ABV
Can be found at: Summergate

With ripe Riesling fruit sourced from 40-year old vines, this Riesling presents a pale straw with green hints in the glass. The nose is clean, floral and sweet at the same time with green fruit and citrus notes such as lime and lemon. In the mouth, the first hint is off dry, replaced by mineral acidity leading to strong citrus and under ripe pineapple. The mouth feel is clean and brings along a nicely layered finish. This dry wine is perfect for aperitif but also with roasted poultry, some semi-mature cheeses, sauerkraut and seafood. Drink now or cellar until 2012.

Kilikanoon Barrel fermented Semillon
Appellation: Clare Valley
Year: 2008
Area: Watervale – South Australia
Type: 100% Semillon
Color/Style: Dry White, Medium Body 12,5% ABV
Can be found at: Summergate

Fully fermented in barrel followed by six months in new and one year old French oak barrels has given this dry white a seductive straw color with a nose of fig, lemon and grapefruit as well as cut grass with hints of stone fruits. The mouth feel is textured, rather buttery and creamy but nicely complemented and supported by a crisp entrance and spicy oak aromas located at the back. The finish is long and refreshing at the same time. Best matched with seafood in cream sauce, creamy cheeses such as Camembert or Brie. Drink now or cellar until 2012.

The above wines are available at Summergate. Call Timothy Feather at 2875 2566
Allow me to start this column by inviting you to send your questions about wine to Baudouin@ift.edu.mo

*Assistant Professor at Institute For Tourism Studies. Dr. Baudoin Neirynck’s book “The Grapes of Wine”
is on sale in Dymocks IFC, Dymocks The Peak, Dymocks Harbour Centre and Dymocks Discovery Bay