2025 Helm Classic Dry Riesling, Canberra District

The Helm Classic Dry Riesling from the Canberra District is a crisp, precise expression of cool-climate Riesling crafted by Ken Helm, one of the great champions of the variety in Australia. Helm Wines, established in 1973 in Murrumbateman, has become synonymous with Riesling, and the Classic Dry is their most approachable and widely enjoyed bottling, capturing both the purity of fruit and the district’s signature mineral drive.

The Canberra District’s high-altitude vineyards benefit from warm days, cold nights and a long growing season, which allows Riesling to ripen slowly while retaining bright acidity and aromatic lift. Fruit for the Classic Dry is hand-harvested from select vineyards, including sites with vines planted more than 40 years ago. Winemaking is deliberately restrained, with cool fermentation in stainless steel and no oak, ensuring focus on fruit expression and a clean, bone-dry finish.

In the glass, it is pale straw with green highlights. Aromas are zesty and fresh, bursting with lime, lemon and grapefruit, layered with white blossom and a chalky mineral edge. The palate is dry, taut and refreshing, with concentrated citrus and green apple flavours balanced by crisp acidity. The finish is long, racy and mouth-watering, making it a quintessential Canberra Riesling.

Food pairings highlight its freshness and zing: oysters, grilled prawns, sushi and sashimi, or vegetarian dishes such as zucchini fritters, Vietnamese salads or goat’s cheese tart. While designed for youthful enjoyment, it has the balance to develop beautifully for 8 to 10 years, gaining notes of toast, honey and lanolin with age.