31 Days of German Riesling!
Posted by EWWines on 16th Jul 2021
Riesling is one of EWWines favourite grape varieties. Therefore we jumped at the chance to celebrate the 31 Days of German Riesling at EW Wines this July to highlight the diversity of Riesling. This noble variety yields wines of great elegance with incredible complexity and potential for bottle development (for those who can resist drinking theirs immediately). All styles share the trademark of high acidity but range from bone dry to sweet stickies and everything in between. Riesling always reflects where it is grown (terroir) offering a full spectrum of fruit from green orchard fruit and lime to ripe peaches and tropical fruits. Herbal with floral aromas, often flinty character, through to spicy and complex clusters. Petrol and honeyed tertiary notes develop over time.
Riesling has no affinity with new oak but traditional winemaking often calls for 1000 litre old oak cask (fuder) to aid oxidation and stabilise the wines while adding complexity and texture.
German wine terms can be intimidating and confusing with lots of long words to process. But ultimately you will find a highly structured classification system based on quality (must weight) and sweetness levels and most importantly you get incredible value delicious wine.
Wine folly have the perfect diagram to save breaking down the system here! It is a great follow up read – understanding German Riesling by the label. Please do persist if you are not familiar or share a glass and celebrate all things German Riesling if you are!
These are five of our favourite German Rieslings available in store now, celebrating the diversity of the variety;
1. Walt Riesling 2020 – Pfalz, Germany - £11
Off dry, from Pfalz region (close to Alsace – wines often display similar spicy characters and ripeness). Peaches and ripe stone fruits with a hint of elderflower and crisp refreshing finish.
Pairs well with anything spicy, great with Thai style curry.
2. Reichsrat Von Buhl, Bone Dry Riesling – Pfalz, Germany £14.50
Bone dry, Organic high quality Riesling. Bright and lively with distinctive aromas of fresh peach and apricot, counterbalanced by an edge of flint. Full and intense on the palate with a little fleshiness and real approachability. Excellent length.
Great on its own or with light seafood dishes.
3. Gunderloch, Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett – 2019 –Rhienhessen, Germany - £18
A classic reflection of 3 grand cru sites blended here. One of the wines of Rhinehessen, if not Germany. Simply a must try. Off dry style with a bright floral nose of magnolia and roses and key lime pie. Great structure to the palate with creamy citrus and apple mid palate with a slight nuttiness from start to finish.
Pairs well with Rhinehessen crostini – recipe here.
4. Riesling Dr Thanisch Riesling Feinherb– 2018 – Mosel, Germany £14.50
Off dry Mosel Kabinett style (picked early) the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Notes of apple, pear, lemon, lime and kumquat. With peach and a touch of ripe gooseberry showing on the palate. Refreshing and delightful finish. Great value wine from a fantastic producer.
Pairs well with sushi or sweet and sour Chinese dishes.
The legendary Berncasteler Doctor vineyard is located behind the village of Bernkastel and is one of the most famous vineyards in Germany.
On the nose a hint of smokiness as well as white blossom and spice. Aromas of flat white peaches, golden kiwi, pink grapefruit and very ripe citrus. Excellent concentration, fine minerality, elegant sweetness and ripe citrus with a wonderful length.
Try with Gravadlax or roast Chinese spiced duck.
Wines of Germany campaign details here
