Who makes it?

Pikes Traditionale Riesling is an Australian classic dry Riesling from the Pike family winery in the Clare Valley. Many Riesling lovers around the world know and love the brand for classic Rieslings such as this ‘Traditionale’ and ‘The Merle’. This is one of those wines that you will always find a spot for in your fridge. While ‘The Merle’ is from the Polish Hill sub-region in the Clare, ‘Traditionale’ comes from vineyards throughout the Clare & has the typical citrus characters of the region. The family have been making the 'Traditionale' for more than 40 years.

However, it goes without saying that the family make a range of high quality white and reds. And more recently, they have brought in some ‘alternative’ grape varieties to make the Luccio range and to blend with their Shiraz. Enter the Fiano grape. There is also an Albarino too. 

Incidentally, an amiable companion to this white wine is the Pikes Luccio Fiano which you can read about by clicking here.

And for those who don’t drink wine… the Pike family also have a microbrewery producing beer.

How do they make it?

The Traditionale Riesling is a multi-subregional blend of Australia's Clare Valley. It has fruit from Polish Hill River, Watervale, Leasingham, Mintaro and Sevenhill. After ferment, it sits on lees for about 3 months to round out and take on some spiciness.

For more information on lees, the dead yeast cells left over from ferment, please click here to read ‘What are lees?’.

What does it taste like?

The 'Traditionale' is a dry riesling-lovers wine with just a few grams of balancing sugar (up to 4 or 5 grams) to texturise the palate. The wine has all the intense lemon/lime drive of 'the Clare' rieslings though, along with facets of talc and white flowers. 

Not only should this wine be in your glass, you should pair it with a couple of years in your cellar for later.

What to drink it with?

This is a wine that does not require food at all. You can enjoy with seafood, fish, salads or chicken and Asian spiced dishes. Sashimi with a wedge of lemon is also good.

Cheese

Enjoy Pikes Traditionale Riesling with fresh cheeses such as feta or chèvre, and bloomy cheeses

Quickie review « This is fruity white wine is what you should expect from outstanding Riesling producers. Remarkable value. »

Country of Origin:  Clare Valley, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2026
Price:  UK £12 | AU$29| US$ ++
Drink: now – 8+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Pikes wines, why not check out:
Pikes Luccio Fiano
Pikes Luccio Novello

Visit Pikes for more.