German Riesling
Now that the weather has finally warmed up, we’ve put the cabernets and zins on the back shelf and moved the lighter whites to the front. We tend to drink more of the lighter wines because their alcohol content is quite a bit lower than the reds. Rieslings average 10.5% alcohol while some California cabs are 18+%.
Clean Slate 2008 Riesling
A good German Riesling under $20? Yep. This wine is pretty much like it’s name. Clean with a slate-like minerality. Because the vineyards in the Mosel region are perched on steep hillsides, harvesting is labor intensive – the main reason prices are a little higher than, let’s say, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
The soil of the Mosel is harsh, stony slate – which gives the grapes that great green apple flavor. The rich nutrients in the soil give it a clean taste.
Pale gold color. Aromas of green apple and pear with hints of petrol and spice. Flavors of peach, green apple with a hint of citrus and spice. Crisp and balanced, slightly sweet. Fruit finish with a mineral feel on the palette. Great with anything wrapped in proscuitto.
Gold Medal winner at 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition. We found it at BevMo for $11
