RAISE A GLASS
When I have the chance to wax lyrical about my favourite grapes, I jump at it... and I’m jumping and grabbing that chance right now.
International Riesling Day is celebrated on March 13. I’m not saying cards are exchanged, or parties held, but I’d like to think that people in the know are pouring a glass of this grape’s wonderful wines.
If you’re not in the know about riesling then read on.
You’ll find it around the world, mainly in cool climate regions. Riesling (say it like “reeze-ling” – not “rye-sling”) doesn’t like hot places.
My word, riesling is wonderful. Its flavours can range from apple, lime and lemon through to pineapple, mango and honey. And at all times it has a thrilling, vibrant acidity.
Germany is its homeland and it can be found as dry wines, right through to sweeter styles.
A classic German riesling region is the Mosel where growing grapes soak up the sun on steep slopes by the Mosel river.
Try Carl Loewen Riesling Quant 2021 (£18.99, or £15.99 if you’re an investing Angel at Naked Wines). It is a riveting and crisp wine with stone fruit flavours which go on and on.
Also from the Mosel, go for
Dry Karp Riesling
(£14.99, or £13.99 in a buy six deal at Laithwaites).
I’ve visited the winery which is super-focussed on nature on its doorstep. Lime flavours drive through the palate with a peachy partner.
The word “trocken” is on the label. In Germany that means the wine is dry.
A couple of weeks ago I met winemakers from New York State visiting the UK. The Finger Lakes – where deep lakes and varying altitudes create many micro-climates – is the home to world-class riesling wines.
I tasted a zesty young vintage of
Forge Cellars Seneca Lake Dry Riesling Classique (£33, Noble Green Wines) which spoke of floral notes with elderflower and camomile.
Then to Australia where there are wonderful rieslings to be found in the Eden and Clare Valleys.
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Riesling (£15.99, or £11.99 in a buy six deal at Majestic) is from the Clare Valley and has aromas of dried honey, lime, peach and grapefruit.
I’ve not had time to talk about rieslings from Alsace (gorgeously ripe-fruited) or even Austria – but maybe try
Aldi’s Specially Selected Austrian Riesling (£8.99).