Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. The steep, slate slopes of Germany's Mosel have ancient vineyards producing delicate, floral Riesling wines with noticeable minerality. Flavours include peach, lime & green apple fruit alongside beeswax and the classic, aged note of petrol/kerosene. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet (often affected with botrytis) and sparkling white wines.
Germany, notably in the Rhine and Mosel valleys, is renowned for making a full range of styles (including dry sparkling wines) from this grape and many wines will mature for decades, adding weight and complexity. These days, the modern, food-friendly, dry wines are taking over from the light and fruity, lower alcohol wines of old, but the sweeter "Qualitatswein mit Pradikat" examples (Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese & Eiswein) still have their loyal fans which includes Frazier's! In the rest of Europe, Riesling has superb producers in both Alsace and Austria which are definitely worth tasting. Around the world, Australia & New Zealand have long made great wines from Riesling and their style leans towards a fuller-bodied, dry and zesty, citrus fruit character. More recently, the grape has found another home in Washington State, and the Finger Lakes in New York, USA. Canada, both in the east (around Niagara, Ontario) and in the west (Okanagan Valley, British Columbia), makes excellent, sweet "icewine" from frozen grapes.
Riesling has long been a recommended aperitif wine as its clean, high acidity stimulates the palate. If drinking Riesling with food, the off-dry wines work really well when paired with meats such as pork/ham and spicy, Asian & Indian cuisine as their sweetness balances the heat of the food and the dry wines particularly shine with seafood dishes where their lemony acidity adds freshness. The sweet Riesling wines work brilliantly with fruit desserts. Try some with strawberries and cream, a personal favourite!
** JULY SPECIAL OFFER **
Save 5% off the listed prices of all Riesling wines from Frazier's
