Wine 101 The Fascinating Riesling

Riesling, a delectably refreshing aromatic white wine originating from the Rhine River in Germany, tantalizes the palate with crisp notes of apples, apricots, peaches, and pears, accompanied by elevated acidity. Recognizable by its unique tall and slender bottle, Riesling stands out effortlessly on the shelf.

Riesling In 60 Seconds

• An aromatic white grape variety native to Germany, Riesling thrives globally, notably in Alsace (France), Clare and Eden Valleys (Australia), and the Finger Lakes (United States).
• Presenting a diverse spectrum from bone dry to lusciously sweet dessert wines and sparkling variations, Riesling stands as a versatile grape.
• Distinctively, Riesling defies the norm, showcasing impressive aging potential for decades.
• Its high acidity and natural sugars make Riesling an ideal companion for various cuisines, particularly those with a spicy kick.

The History of Riesling

• Originating along the Rhine, Riesling’s storied history dates back to 1435, cherished by German nobility for its enduring quality.
• The wine’s age-worthiness became evident early on, with collectors recognizing its ability to mature gracefully over centuries.
• Riesling’s unique aging process often introduces a petrol-like aroma, considered a mark of superior quality among enthusiasts.

What Does Riesling Taste Like?

• In its youth, Riesling dazzles with expressive fruity and floral notes, spanning from citrus to luscious stone fruits and pineapple.
• Common descriptors include jasmine, citrus blossom, honey, beeswax, ginger, and, in aged varieties, the distinctive petrol note.

Is All Riesling Sweet?

• Contrary to common belief, Riesling encompasses a spectrum of styles, with many global producers favoring dry or off-dry varieties.
• Understanding Riesling labels involves navigating European laws, with Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein indicating varying sweetness levels.

Riesling Around the World

• Beyond Germany, Alsace in France, Austria, South Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys, and the Finger Lakes in the U.S. are celebrated for their distinctive Riesling expressions.
• Each region imparts unique characteristics, from Alsace’s medium to full-bodied offerings to the Finger Lakes’ late-ripening grape excellence.

How to Pair Riesling With Food

• Renowned for its food-friendly nature, Riesling complements a myriad of dishes, excelling alongside spicy cuisines.
• The wine’s high acidity keeps the palate refreshed, while residual sugar in some varieties tames the intensity of potent spices.

10 Facts about Riesling

1. Riesling ranks among the aromatic white grape varieties and hails from Germany.
2. It boasts a distinct tall and slender bottle, setting it apart from other wines.
3. Riesling vines flourish in Germany, Alsace, Australia, and the United States.
4. The wine exhibits diverse styles, from bone dry to sweet dessert wines and sparkling variations.
5. Contrary to assumptions, Riesling can age gracefully for decades.
6. Riesling’s history dates back to 1435, cherished by German nobility for its enduring quality.
7. Collectors recognized early on that Riesling, like Chardonnay, is remarkably age-worthy.
8. Riesling’s aging process often introduces a petrol-like aroma, considered a mark of superior quality.
9. Its flavor profile includes fruity and floral notes, with jasmine, citrus blossom, honey, and ginger nuances.
10. Riesling labels follow European laws, with Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein indicating sweetness levels.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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