Australian riesling wine 'better than Kiwi versions'

A team of experts has claimed that riesling currently made in Australia is a class above the equivalent tipple produced in neighbouring New Zealand.

This conclusion was reached by a group of eight critics brought together by Decanter to sample 79 Australian riesling wines and 55 Kiwi examples of the varietal.

Among the experts were Luke Robertson - head sommelier of Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury - and consultant David Wainwright.

There was no doubt which country emerged with the glory, as just eight bottles were given the top five-star rating and they were all Australian.

A wine that has previously won a trophy from Decanter is the Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2009, which goes beautifully with blue cheese, foie gras and cheesecakes.

According to one panel member at the Australia-New Zealand tasting, the riesling wines produced down under are top class, saying: "They will compare with the great wines of Alsace at a fraction of the price."