The Raise a Glass feature is published in several UK regional newspapers every week. Here’s a quick look around the world to mark International Riesling Day.
When I have the chance to wax lyrical about my favourite grapes, I jump at the chance.
I’m jumping and grabbing that chance right now.
International Riesling Day is celebrated every year on March 13th.
I’m not saying cards are exchanged, or parties held, but I’d like to think that people in the know are pouring a glass of this grape’s wonderful wines.
If you’re not in the know about riesling then read on.
You’ll find it around the world, mainly in cool climate regions.
Riesling (say it like “reeze-ling” – not “rye-sling”) doesn’t like hot places.
My word, riesling is wonderful.
Its flavours can range from apple, lime and lemon through to pineapple, mango and honey. And at all times it has a thrilling, vibrant, acidity.
Germany is its homeland and it can be found as dry wines, right though to sweeter styles.
A classic German riesling region is the Mosel where grapes soak up the sun on steep slopes by the Mosel river.
Try Carl Loewen Riesling Quant 2021 (£18.99, or £15.99 if you’re an investing Angel at Naked Wines).
It is a riveting and crisp wine with stone fruit flavours which go on and on.
Also from the Mosel, go for Dry Karp Riesling (£14.99, or £13.99 in a buy six deal at Laithwaites).
I’ve visited the winery, and met winemaker Jobst-Julius Karp.
The winery is superly focussed on sustainability and nature on its doorstep. Lime flavours drive through the palate with a peachy partner.
The word “trocken” is on the label. In Germany that means the wine is dry.
A couple of weeks ago I met winemakers from New York State visiting the UK.
The Finger Lakes – where deep lakes and varying altitudes create many micro-climates – is the home to world-class riesling wines.
I tasted a zesty young vintage of Forge Cellars Seneca Lake Dry Riesling Classique (£33, Noble Green Wines) which spoke of floral notes with elderflower and camomile.
There are wonderful rieslings to be found in the Eden and Clare Valleys of Australia.
Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Riesling (£15.99, or £11.99 in a buy six deal at Majestic) is from the Clare Valley and has aromas of dried honey, lime, peach and grapefruit.
Aldi also has the zesty Australian Specially Selected Clare Valley Riesling (£8.49).
I’ve not even had time to talk about rieslings from Alsace (gorgeously ripe-fruited) or even Austria – but maybe try Aldi’s Specially Selected Austrian Riesling (£8.99).
First published in UK regional newspapers: See “About ” me