The Ideal Wine for Food
“In many ways, Riesling is an ideal white wine. It is flavorful–a characteristic that, despite bland Pinot Grigio’s popularity, seems to be a key consideration for mainstream wine drinkers. It is generally not bone dry, just like all those popular, mass-market Chardonnays, and it is delicious with very flavorful foods. It’s fruity, easy to drink and typically has relatively low alcohol content.
We have always loved good Riesling, and we applaud the efforts of sommeliers to entice American wine drinkers by offering Riesling by the glass. Promoting Riesling has seemed to us an uphill battle, however. Riesling, even more than rose wines, suffers from an image of being “too sweet” and therefore the opposite of chic. And yet–statistics don’t lie–Riesling is on the move.” Ted Baseler, chief executive of Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle winery
According to Lynne Char Bennett of the San Francisco Chronicle, “west coast vintners have discovered that this aromatic white is suited to Northern California’s Monterey County and to Washington state’s Columbia Valley. Good domestic Riesling is available for less than $15 a bottle – a bargain when you consider its flexibility at the dinner table.”
2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling ($10): When this off-dry Riesling was first produced in 1972, it was labeled Johannisberg Riesling. Consistent, easy drinking and value-priced, with plenty of fruit, including green melon, cantaloupe and citrus; seamless acidity, pink grapefruit on the finish.
2008 Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Riesling ($14): Fess Parker’s son, winemaker Eli, and head winemaker Blair Fox now oversee about 700 vineyard acres in Santa Barbara County. Tropical fruit, pineapple and lime; fresh, clean aromas and flavors; weightier body with a fruity, moderately sweet finish.
2008 Firestone Vineyard Central Coast Riesling ($11): In 2007, Bill Foley’s Foley Family Wines purchased Firestone, which was founded more than three decades ago in Santa Ynez Valley by Leonard Firestone and his son, Brooks. This bottling treads a bit on the ripe side; very aromatic and lush with lemon compote, stone fruit and ruby-red grapefruit.
2008 Jekel Vineyards Monterey Riesling ($12): Pear, pineapple and ripe tropical aromas merge on the medium-bodied palate that is not quite as lively as the nose, but will do well by mildly spiced foods. Includes a tiny bit of Muscat.
2008 Maddalena Monterey Riesling ($14): The San Antonio Winery is the last producing winery in Los Angeles. Established in 1917 by the Riboli family, the winery also produces wine from Paso Robles and Rutherford fruit. Lovely aromas and flavors of pear, apple and stone fruit; clean and fresh. This well-balanced off-dry wine is perfect with Asian food.
Tags: California, food, oregon, riesling, washington
