Pikes ‘Traditionale’ Riesling: A Clare Valley Classic

Few wines speak so clearly of Clare Valley as our ‘Traditionale’ Riesling. It’s been a cornerstone of the Pikes range for more than four decades, earning a reputation for purity, consistency and a style that feels both timeless and unmistakably regional.

With each vintage, Traditionale continues to showcase what makes Clare Valley Riesling so special - bright citrus, fine mineral drive and the ability to age gracefully over time.

SHAPED BY PLACE

Clare Valley is one of Australia’s great Riesling regions, and this wine is a true reflection of that. Fruit is sourced from our estate vineyards in Polish Hill River, along with a small group of trusted growers across Watervale, Leasingham, Mintaro and Sevenhill.

Each site brings something different to the blend, but all share a common thread - intensity of flavour, natural acidity and structure. Seasonal conditions always leave their mark too. In recent years, challenges like frost and dry conditions have kept yields low, but the upside has been beautifully concentrated fruit with great clarity and focus.

IN THE WINERY

Our approach to Traditionale is simple - keep things as hands-off as possible and let the fruit do the talking.

We use only free-run juice, which gives the wine its finesse and purity. Fermentation is kept cool with neutral yeast strains to preserve those bright, varietal characters, followed by a short time on lees to build a little extra texture. The end result is a wine that feels precise, balanced and true to its origins.

THE STYLE

Traditionale is all about freshness and structure.

You’ll find lifted aromas of lime, citrus blossom and crisp green apple, with subtle floral notes in the background. The palate is bright and focused, driven by natural acidity and a fine, chalky minerality that gives the wine length and energy.

It’s a style that drinks beautifully when young, but also rewards patience in the cellar, developing more complex honeyed and toasty characters over time.

AT THE TABLE

Riesling has always been one of the most food-friendly wines, and this is no exception.

It’s a natural match for fresh seafood — oysters, prawns or anything with a squeeze of citrus — and works just as well alongside spice-driven dishes, where its acidity helps balance richness and heat.

A Clare Valley Staple

Over the years, Traditionale has become a go-to Riesling for many - a wine people come back to vintage after vintage. It’s consistently recognised for its quality and value, and remains a great introduction to Clare Valley Riesling, while still offering plenty for long-time enthusiasts.

Pikes ‘Traditionale’ Riesling is, at its heart, a reflection of place, season and a long-standing commitment to quality. It’s a wine we’ve been making for over 40 years, and one we’re proud to keep refining with each vintage. Whether you’re enjoying it now or putting a few bottles away for later, it’s a Riesling that continues to deliver, year after year.

SHOP THIS ICONIC RIESLING