Rielsing is said to be the king of grape varieties. Some purists consider it one of the greatest white grape varieties.
Who am I?
Riesling is a white grape variety, originating from the Rhine Valley and the Moselle. It has an origin from Roman times and its cultivation was first mentioned in 1435 in the Rheingau in Germany. It resists cold well and prefers a cool to temperate climate. It is grown around the world in several styles.
It has a high natural acidity as well as a sensitivity to botrytis (fungus left on the bunches for the production of wines from overripe grapes and commonly called: noble rot). Riesling is suitable for creating both dry and sweet wines.
It is an aromatic grape variety with pronounced floral and fruity aromas for a finish full of minerality. Its fruity flavor will depend on the maturity of the grapes during the harvest. They can range from green fruits such as apple and citrus fruits such as lemon to more distinct horizons with notes of stone fruit (peach), exotic fruit (pineapple) or even dried fruit.
Young, they have a green-yellow color, which evolves over time towards a splendid golden yellow. It has a light to powerful body and its natural acidity coupled with a slow maturation of its grapes positions it easily for late harvests or even for ice wines. Its two methods produce sweet wine but we must not forget botrytis either, which completes the panoply available to the winemaker.
The fermentation of Rieslings is generally done in inert containers such as stainless steel tanks in order to preserve their floral aromas. The best wines are able to age for many years in the bottle, developing tertiary aromas like honey or gasoline.
What are the Riesling producing regions in the world?
France, Germany, United States, Luxembourg, China, Italy, Australia…to name but a few.
Culture
It is a variety that matures slowly, it feeds to satiety on sun and heat until late in the fall, and refines its aromatic palette. In general, its management requires long pruning and trellising. It likes steep hillsides but its maintenance is easy
On the other hand, he is less careful about the ground. Riesling wines have this fundamental ability to restore the characteristics of the terroir. It can be from all soils with a predilection for schists, marls and granites.
Food and wine pairings
Riesling goes well with grilled fish (salmon, sea bream) but also seafood or shellfish. Then, it will be a good pairing with sauerkraut, poultry in sauce and cheeses such as goat cheese or even fondue.
It can be delicious with Asian cuisine with its citrus notes, or even Indian or Thai with a demi-sec.
With sweet wines, it is perfect with foie gras such as desserts with a lemon pie or a strawberry roll, for example.
Whether it’s for a party or a picnic, it is for every meal!
Nowadays…
Today, it is highly appreciated by many connoisseurs for its versatility, intense flavors and aging potential. The wines are distinguished, lively and elegant. The top-of-the-range sector is consolidating worldwide sales of this magnificent grape variety.
Did you know?
And Sparkle and Wine?
We offer 2 selections:
- Clos Mon Vieux Moulin , a Rielsing from Ahn Palmberg delivering a well-balanced aromatic palette on the palate, light on citrus fruits at the start then developing with a beautiful minerality from its clay-limestone terroir.
- Domaine Desom , a Riesling from Foulshette Wellenstein, a limestone terroir that brings an uncomplicated minerality for a perfect balance between the sweetness of dried fruits and the freshness of exotic fruits.
