2025 Helm Riesling Rose, Canberra

Ken Helm AM planted his first vines in Murrumbateman in 1973, making Helm Wines one of the oldest wineries in Canberra District. Ken has spent decades championing both the region and the Riesling variety, instigating the Canberra International Riesling Challenge and being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for his contribution to the Australian wine industry. Rieslings remain the heart of the range, made with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from fifty years of knowing a place well.

Ken's Rosé blends approximately 95% Riesling with a small addition of free-run Cabernet Sauvignon juice, which gives the wine its pale blush colour and a subtle textural contribution without imposing overt red fruit character. Now in its fourth release, it sits in a category largely of its own making. The 2025 vintage was excellent for the Canberra District, a picture-perfect season with good yields and high quality grapes.

A pale blush of copper with lifted citrus and floral notes characteristic of the Riesling base. Lemon, red berries and a faint rose petal note on the soft off-dry palate that finishes fresh and clean.

A wine to enjoy in its youth. Good company with smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche or a simple charcuterie with mild cheese.