Image courtesy Gibson Wines

What is believed to be Australia’s first-ever Riesling Seltzer is set to launch this spring, in a collaboration between the Gibson Wines brand Discovery Road and Adelaide Hills spring water brand A Rock and A Hard Place.

The limited release aims to engage a new audience, and will blend single-vineyard Eden Valley Riesling with pure sparkling water, from A Rock and A Hard Place’s natural spring in Mount Lofty.

The seltzer will retail for $9 in 250ml single serve cans, infused with Australian native lemongrass botanicals, and will be available from Gibson’s Barossa cellar door from 1st September, with a limited number also available via an online, first-in basis registration list, opening today.

Breaking out of the traditional wine category, Gibson Wines believes the Riesling Seltzer is the first of its kind in Australia, using Riesling sourced from its Burkes Hill Vineyard in the Eden Valley.

The concept was born after Gibson observed the “rocketing” popularity of alcoholic seltzers in recent years, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

Since 2021, Gibson has been experimenting with concepts and production techniques that could premiumise seltzer into a craft, wine-hybrid space.

With Riesling itself as the ‘hero’, according to Gibson’s CEO, Chad Elson, the innovation was further inspired by two discoveries.

“One was the amazing success A Rock And a Hard Place have had with their premium Adelaide Hills water. It’s featured in some of South Australia’s top dining venues. It’s a pristine product from pristine environs and speaks of a specific place,” Elson explained.

“The other was working with the Barossa Bushgardens, our local botanic garden, which acts as a seedbank and nursery for plant species native to the region. We discovered native lemongrass through specimen plantings there. Learning of its history used as a herbal tea in Indigenous culture, we then sourced it in larger quantities from an Indigenous-owned native food supplier, based in the Clare Valley.”

“We use native lemongrass ‘botanicals’ in the Seltzer description deliberately. It’s gin-like language, which should only help with curiosity from those already engaged with other craft liquor categories.”

Winemaker Adam Fiegert, who crafts the Discovery Road by Gibson tier, described the new release as “Riesling re-imagined”.

“You get this subtle lemon sorbet aromatic from the lemongrass that sits beautifully with pure citrus qualities of Eden Valley Riesling. The slatey, mineral finish brought out through the sparkling spring water is ultra-refreshing”, said Fiegert. “Being in 250ml cans itself brings with it new occasions. Pool-side, at the beach or at outdoor events is Riesling Seltzer’s native habitat.”

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