5 Rieslings to Try Before Summer Ends
Rieslings happen to be my all time favorite type of wine. I started my wine journey with sweeter Rieslings and gradually have moved towards dryer versions. I think a lot of people don’t realize how much variety there is in the Riesling world. Rieslings can be just as complex as a Merlot. There are super sweet desert Rieslings and dry crisp Rieslings that pair terrifically with spicy food since they help balance the heat. Riesling is a great summer wine since it is so versatile but tends to be on the lighter side. So here is a super quick run down on what you need to know when picking a Riesling and five of my favorites you should give a try before summer ends!
- Rieslings are divided into five categories: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese. Kabinett being the dryiest and Trockenbeerenauslese being the sweetest (think dessert wines here).
- Riesling is most commonly associated with Germany but France, Australia, and Washington state also produce excellent Rieslings.
- Pair dry Rieslings with fish, shellfish, and poultry.
- Pair sweeter Rieslings with spicy foods, or sharp cheeses. Sweet Rieslings cut the heat of spicy food well but still generally have enough acidity to be crisp.
- Super sweet Rieslings pair well with fruit for desert.
- Rieslings often have undertones of apple, melon, and various minerals.
- Serve Riesling chilled, aprox. 45*F.
A few of my Favorites worth giving a try:
- Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Kabinett 2001, this wine is dry and crisp. I think it pairs well with almost anything!
- Eroica Riesling 2012, also on the dryer side and crisp.
- Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling 2001, this wine is sweet and fruity, but not at all cloying. This it exactly the type of wine to pair with spicy food. This is my total favorite right now!
- Poet’s Leap Riesling 2012, also fruity.
- Hogue Late Harvest Riesling 2003, sweet and great for desert! (Sorry no link for you wine.com no longer has it in stock, but totally worth trying to find locally. Other years of the same wine are very enjoyable as well.)