Riesling — king of the white wines
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MOST white wines are served fresh except Riesling. This aromatic variety originated in Germany and has great aging potential, some of which can be cellared for 100 years.
Riesling wine is generally considered as one of the few that honestly reflects the original beauty of the grape. Oak is rarely used during winemaking to avoid overpowering the grape’s delicate qualities.
Riesling has easily identifiable white flower aromas mixed with various fruit notes, depending on the climate of the producing area. In cool regions it features green fruit, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, sometimes with a touch of citrus. In moderate climates, peach, mango and pineapple notes can be enjoyed.
The grape grows mainly in late-harvest areas, where the cool climate contributes to a high content of acidity, which gives Riesling wines the potential to age.
The fruitiness in these wines strengthen over time in the bottle. Riesling can also be slightly smoky with a touch of petrol notes, creating greater complexity.
Wines range in styles, from light and fresh to rich and honeyed. Dry, semi-dry and sweet wines are all available. But German wine labels are famously confusing. Here are some highlights, indicating sugar levels in the grapes.
• “Kabinett” on the label refers to Riesling with the lowest sugar level, featuring light body, high acidity and medium sweetness. They usually have the aroma of green fruits.
• “Spatlese” refers to the lightest of the late harvest wines. Wines under this category have certain body and citrus notes.
• “Auslese” refers to Riesling with the highest sugar levels and are usually dry. These wines usually have an intense fruitiness.
• “Beerenauslese” and “Trockenbeerenauslese” refer to noble rot wines (grapes affected by botrytis cinerea) made from Riesling, featuring full body and intense mango and apricot aromas.
• “Eiswein” is German for ice wine, mainly made from Riesling grapes.
Mosel, northwest Germany, is one of the most famous Riesling-producing regions in the world. Vines are planted on steeps, giving the wines a light, clean and pure character, with both lovely sweetness and firm acidity.
Jancis Robinson, an influential wine critic and writer, says the light and fresh Mosel Rieslings are suitable to drink while writing as they refresh the mind.
Alsace, France, which is comparatively warmer than Mosel, produces Riesling wines richer in body and higher in alcohol. Some of these wines improve after aging. Vendange Tardive indicates a late harvest wine. Selection de Grans Nobles indicates noble rot.
Australia and New Zealand are New World representatives of quality Riesling wines that are usually dry, with high acidity and citrus flavors.
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