Riesling

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Riesling (Riesling), also known as the Rhine Riesling, is an old white wine grape variety that originates in the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Germany. In Germany, the variety occupies about 25% of all plantations - about 23,000 hectares.

Riesling is very common in a number of wine-growing countries such as France, Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, Switzerland, USA, Ukraine, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and others. In our country the variety Riesling is zoned and grown in the cooler northeastern regions.

Although it does not boast a wide distribution like Chardonnay, Riesling is one of the most highly valued and important varieties for the wine regions in the northern hemisphere. Riesling wines leave an incredible memory for everyone who was lucky enough to try them.

History of Riesling

The origin of Riesling, as well as many other older grape varieties, is lost over time. It is a proven fact that in the distant 1435 Riesling was grown in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Unfortunately, for centuries, Riesling has only brought disappointment to growers.

Until the 18th century, Riesling was considered a weak variety for wine production, which is not worth losing land and planting on its own. The Riesling has a place among other varieties such as Traminer. The low opinion that growers had about Riesling is due to the fact that this grape variety ripens only in October and even November and is usually harvested last. The small and round grains of the Riesling need a warm and long autumn to be able to collect enough sugar.

A simple coincidence, however, brings out Riesling from the ranks of the so-called planted together varieties from which is not expected who knows what. In the 18th century, monks who lived and cultivated their vineyards in a monastery near Johannesburg in the Rhineland began planting Rieslings separately from other varieties. Each autumn, when the grapes were ripe, they sent samples by messenger to the abbot in Fulda to obtain permission from him to begin the harvest.

In 1775, for unknown reasons, the return of the envoy to the monks was delayed. They waited desperately for his return, and the grapes, their main source of livelihood, wrinkled and moldy. When the courier returned, the monks decided to pick the green and almost spoiled grapes separately. They were very surprised when it turned out that they got the most amazing wine from the moldy grapes. Riesling.

Riesling characteristics

According to many wine critics, Riesling is the greatest variety for white wine production in the world. Compared to the other candidate for the championship - Chardonnay, Riesling has more character.

The grape of this variety is a chameleon by nature and very clearly reflects the place where it is grown. It loves the steep slopes of the hilly terrain, the cool climate, but at the same time it needs sunshine with protection from winds.

Due to the late budding of Riesling its early ripening and frost resistance, Riesling grows in some of the coldest wine areas.

Sugars and acids are the two factors that maintain balance and harmony in a well-presented Riesling. Even the sweetest Rieslings have great freshness, which gives them incredible aging potential.

The aging ability of Riesling compares with that of the Burgundian white varieties. Another advantage of Riesling is that wherever it is grown, it does not reach particularly high levels of grape sugar and wines with more than 11% alcohol content are rarely produced.

Depending on the age of the wine, its aroma varies from apple and delicate lemon notes in young wines to the aroma of peach, apricot, honey, minerals, nuts and flowers as it ages. The secondary and tertiary aromas of this wine are reminiscent of banana, almond, wax and candied apricots.

It is safe to say that the Riesling is restrained, but with crystal clear sharpness and unwavering elegance. Cheerful and delicate, the Riesling is characterized by multi-layered and flexible body.

Riesling around the world

In Germany Riesling is distributed in all wine regions of the country, covering an area of about 23,000 hectares or ¼ of the total wine area in the country. Nowadays, Riesling is the most important variety for German viticulture.

Alsace in France is undoubtedly one of the most important areas for the distribution of Riesling. It covers an area of over 3,000 hectares and produces the best wines in the area.

In the United States, Riesling plays a minor role, where it has not yet managed to form a circle of fans. In South Africa, there are Riesling plantations in suitable climatic zones, but so far no wines have appeared on the European market.

In Austria, Riesling is represented by an area of about 1000 hectares. In Australia, the areas with Riesling are about 500 hectares. New Zealand, which has built a reputation as a producer of high-quality white wines, also has significant plantations of this variety.

Serving Riesling

The Riesling is a universal wine whose fine balance of sugar and acidity allows this wine to be served with a variety of dishes - meat, fish and vegetables.

Riesling is one of the few wines that perfectly partner with the strong aromas of the spices of Eastern cuisine.

Riesling goes well with a variety of cold appetizers, mostly meat. This wine goes very well with different types of cheese, which are characterized by a stronger aroma, such as Roquefort.

The aroma of the cheese with blue mold combines very well with the aroma of this white wine. Fish dishes also go well with the refined taste of Riesling, as well as seafood appetizers.

Fresh fruits and fruit desserts go great with the fruity notes that are felt in this great wine.

The Riesling, like any white wine, is served well chilled. The best temperature for serving is 11 degrees. A temperature of about 13 degrees is also allowed, but in no case should it be higher, as this will have a detrimental effect on its taste.