Smalltown Vineyards Rag & Bone Riesling comes from a quirky origin story. When half the fruit from a tiny production was set to be discarded, the product manager saw potential in this near-discarded fruit based on previous vintages. Inspired by the idea of upcycling—how one man’s trash is another man’s treasure—and sparked by the sight of a rag and bone van parked outside his home, the name Rag & Bone was born. The label reflects this concept with a collage of discarded items coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

The fruit is sourced from a single vineyard on the eastern side of Eden Valley, where warm days and cool nights develop intense, ripe flavours balanced by fresh acidity. Harvested in the cool early morning, the grapes were gently pressed and cold settled before fermentation, preserving the purity and vibrancy typical of this renowned Riesling region. Eden Valley is known for producing some of Australia’s most prized Rieslings with outstanding longevity.

Smalltown Vineyards works across the Barossa’s prized districts, including Eden Valley, Gomersal, and Kalimna, crafting wines with minimal intervention to best capture the region’s natural character. They participate in the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia programme, underscoring their commitment to sustainable practices. Their playful approach to labelling adds an extra layer of fun to their serious winemaking.

On the nose, expect floral notes of jasmine alongside lime zest and waxed lemons, resting over crushed marble. The palate is bright and taut with crisp citrus oils that add weight and texture. Although crisp, the wine carries plenty of body and finishes long and nervy, delivering a classic expression of Eden Valley Riesling’s charm and freshness.

This Riesling pairs beautifully with bold Asian flavours, making it an ideal match for dishes such as chilli prawns, green Thai curry, or fish and chicken laksa with chilli, coconut, ginger, and lime. Its vibrant acidity and structure complement spicy and aromatic cuisine perfectly.