I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Riesling - in all its many forms. Like many, I initially was held back by the preconceived notion that Rieslings are simply sweet, innocuous wines with little to hold my attention. However, after tasting some amazing versions from around the world, I soon discovered my view was shortsighted. Drinking Riesling can be a very satisfying way to both start and end an evening; Riesling’s natural acidity makes it a perfect aperitif in its racy, dry form (such as the German Kabinett) and also a luscious dessert wine in its sweeter forms (such as Late Harvest / Vendage Tardive and Eiswein).
There are many wine regions that produce Riesling such as the famed German Mosel Saar Ruwer, whose lean, water-white Rieslings are characterized by lower alcohol levels, and the French region of Alsace whose Rieslings are often much richer with a marked golden color. In addition to such traditional growing regions, the "New World" wine regions are producing Riesling in many cool climates such as Mendocino, California and Central Otago, New Zealand.
Here are a few of my favorite Rieslings in Vinfolio’s wine store:
Light and Dry
2007 Gunderloch - Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett (Germany, Rheinhessen) $17.95
2007 Maximin-Grunhauser - Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett (Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer) $25.95
2007 Felton Road – Riesling (New Zealand, Central Otago) $26.00
2006 Knoll, Emmerich - Riesling Kellerberg Smaragd (Austria, Wachau) $44.95
Full-bodied and Sweet
2007 Donnhoff - Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (Germany, Nahe) $61.95/375ml
2006 Zind-Humbrecht - Riesling Brand VT (France, Alsace) $91.95
Click here to view Vinfolio's full selection of Riesling.
