International Riesling Day: A Toast to one of the most iconic grape varieties in the world! Loved by sommeliers but forgotten by wine drinkers!
Many wine drinkers have the same reaction whenever you offer up a glass of Riesling, “Oh, no thanks. I don’t like sweet wine.” Riesling has gotten a bad rap over the years because of an overindulgence in the super sweet German Riesling in the 1970s and 80s. But, not all Riesling is sweet.
How do I know my Riesling is not sweet?
Look for the word Kabinett.
This is the lightest style of German Riesling made from grapes that are just barely ripe. This means the wines are lean with plenty of acidity and flavours of very fresh apple, nectarine and pear.
Most Riesling in the UK supermarkets are dry styles because it’s popular. They can be dry and off-dry and you will know this if you see ‘Troken’ on the label -I recommend trying this style as it goes perfectly with Asian food, spicy food, sticky pork ribs, and sweet and sour chicken.
Food pairings with Kabinett Riesling with sushi, apple, prosciutto, arugula salad, pork schnitzel, and shrimp tempura.
How to avoid sweet wine?
Sweeter styles are called Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein
Firstly you don’t need to worry about picking up a sweeter bottle of Riesling in the supermarket as the Germans keep all the good stuff to themselves and the really sweet wines/dessert wines are sold in small bottles.
How to spot a bottle of Riesling?
Look for a tall and slender bottle
About 30 years ago, some producers switched to blue bottles to distinguish themselves, the most famous of which was the German Riesling line Blue Nun! Remember that?
How to serve Riesling wine?
Riesling is a white wine that’s best served chilled to 7-12°C (45-55°F). That is straight out your fridge door!
Transcript
Welcome to my roof terrace. Let's have a look at which wine I have in my fridge today. I have an amazing Riesling. So where does this grape come from? It comes from Germany, and it comes from an area called the Mosel because of the river Mosel. So it's absolutely stunning to go and visit. You will always be able to find this bottle in the supermarket because of its iconic shape. That tall skinny long neck that is what makes riesling bottles very famous. You also need this wine in your fridge because it's the only wine that also in my opinion goes really well with spicy food like Thai, Indian food. It's perfect on your summer salads. It's also lower in alcohol. It's a myth that Riesling is sweet. It's not a sweet wine. It is a dry wine as well. And this you will love. Now who loves Sauvignon Blanc out there? Who loves Pinot Grigio? Well then, I'm talking to you because this wine will make you smile. It is crisp, citrus, mouthwatering, rye, lemons, limes. Perfect on a sunny day like today. Best news, it's only 11% in alcohol. Wines like these are often lower in alcohol, so you could say it's slightly better for you. Now you need to have a bottle of Riesling in your fridge this summer.
Transcribed automatically from the speech, so a name may be misheard.
Riesling is a crowd-pleaser. It is the king of German wines and one of the best and most fresh white wines in the world.
#RieslingDay
- Weingut Monchhof Riesling Grand Lay Dry Mosel, An off-dry Riesling - apple, lemon, citrus and petrol.
- Two Paddocks Picnic Riesling, An off-dry Riesling. Citrus, hints of spice and lime. Great aperitif.
- Famille Hugel Estate Riesling, A dry Riesling. From Alsace. Balanced, structures, complex and no sweetness at all.
I won't lie it is not easy to spot a dry Riesling!
But I am here to help.
Elizabeth x
