Riesling is widely cultivated outside its origin region; The grape adapts well to cold climates and soils with good drainage, being ideally grown on slopes well oriented to maximize sun exposure
Those obtained from the vinification of the most noble and versatile white varieties in the world are my favorite whites, of course within the subjectivity criteria we all have and are more than legitimate when it comes to electing our preferences. This caste is known for its ability to express terroir and offer wines that range from dry and mineral to sweet and intensely aromatic. Although its origin is in Central Europe, Riesling has found new homes in several countries outside France, where it also stands out for the quality and uniqueness of the wines produced.
Riesling is originally from the region of the Rhine, in the with historical records that go back to the fifteenth century. Studies indicate that it emerged from the crossing of a variety carried by the Romans on the banks of the Rhine with a local wild variety. It is a late ripeness grape with small and compact curls. Their wines, as stated above, are known to be very aromatic, with floral notes, freshness and citrus flavors. The acidity is well marked and the relatively low alcohol and may have a certain sweetness and, with more extraction, mineral elements.
It adapts well to cold climates and soils with good drainage, being ideally grown on slopes well oriented to maximize sun exposure. Slow ripening is crucial for the development of its complex aromas. During winemaking, it is common to avoid the use of oak barrels to preserve their primary aromas. In addition, Riesling is susceptible to “noble rot” (Botrytis Cinerea), which can concentrate sugars and result in sweet and complex wines, such as late harvesting.
Riesling is widely cultivated outside its origin region. In Italy, we highlight the variety known as Italic Riesling, cultivated mainly in the north of the country. This grape is used in the production of white and sparkling wines, with delicate aromas of fruits such as peach, apple and pear, as well as floral notes. Wines have a balanced acidity and average alcohol content, being light and subtle. In the United States, Riesling is widely cultivated in regions such as Washington and Finger Lakes in New York; Wines range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and green apple flavors, peach, apricot and floral notes.
New Zealand produces rieslings characterized by very significant fruits, being easy to drink wines and with intense fruity notes. In Australia, especially in the regions of Clare Valley and Eden Valley, the rieslings are dry and intense, with high acidity and lemon, lime, green apple and mineral notes. Often, they have a dry and clear texture, with a striking floral character. In Argentina, Riesling has been cultivated from Mendoza to Patagonia, including the provinces of Neuquén, Black Dock and Chubut; These regions, with high altitudes and cold climate, provide ideal conditions for the production of high quality Riesling wines.
In Uruguay, Riesling is cultivated at the Cerros of Pan de Azúcar, Maldonado, in Pedregious Soils. The winemaking includes manual grape selection, direct pressing without disgust and fermentation in 18 ° C steel tanks, resulting in excellent quality wines. Finally, in Brazil, Riesling, as well as the Italian variety Riesling Italic, is cultivated mainly in Serra Gaucha, being one of the main thin white grapes of the region; The wines have subtle and typical aroma, with balanced acidity and medium alcohol content, being used both as varietal wines and sparkling wines.
Some suggestions for this wine, outside their regions of origin. From Italy I suggest Peter Zemmer white Riesling, with delicate acidity and persistence to all proof. The United States offers specially structured and gastronomic rieslings, I indicate the Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling, which is dry and refreshing.
New Zealand surprises us with Saint Clair Marlborough Sun Riesling and Australia with Kilikanoon Riesling Mort’s Block, both dry, minerals and with remarkably sweet taste. Dona Paula Estate Riesling, from Argentina, has a scent of citrus fruits, spices and mineral notes on the taste, being very well structured and gastronomic. From Uruguay the Bouza Pan de Azúcar Riesling, proves to be a beautiful seafood wine.
From I will suggest three wines, starting with the Core Single Vineyard Riesling Johannisberg IP, which is a young wine, very pleasant, vivid acid structure, and that goes well with fish, birds and even a good onion soup; It is also worth knowing the Noar Riesling Terraças, which follows very well with the eastern, Korean and Chinese cuisine; Finally, Aurora Pinto Flag Riesling Italic, is of excellent cost benefit and great for everyday life.
Riesling grape, with its versatility and the ability to express terroir, continues to delight wine lovers around the world, adapting to various regions and producing wines of varied styles, from dry and minerals to sweet and aromatic, as stated, and deserving the attention and curiosity of wines enthusiasts with multifaceted bias of color, taste and longevity. Health !!!
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the young Pan.
