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Once upon a time, Riesling became really unfashionable. So many
people turned up their noses at it, that the makers started to
sell it under different names!
Why should this be? Those of us who are acquainted with Riesling
know it can be really delicious.
The main reason was that a lot of inferior wines became
mistakenly associated with Riesling. Wines like Liebfraumilch,
Bereich Neierstein and Bernkastel were increasingly made from
less fine grape varieties and were seen as being part of the
Riesling "family".
At the same time, the name of Riesling became attached to other
varietals - such as Walschriesling in Europe and Gray Riesling
in California - that were of much poorer quality and were not
actually Riesling at all.
As a matter of fact, Riesling has a claim to be one of the
greatest of all wine grapes. It is very distinctive, with a
powerful aroma that combines floral and fruit elements. The
fruit aromas are largely of apple but can include pear, peach
and apricot. One thing that makes it really "different" is that
with age it can develop a petrol-like or kerosene-like flavor!
Actually many people like this. But if you don't, young Riesling
is excellent!
Of course the home of Riesling is the Rhine region of Germany.
Outside Germany, some of the best Rieslings come from Australia,
in particular the Clare Valley and Eden Valley. Australian
Rieslings are bigger and more alcoholic, and have a distinctive
lime flavor which is really mouthwatering!
Tip! No Oak vs Heavy Oak: Wines might be stored in oak barrels, usually to impart extra and more complex flavours. French, American and German oak barrels are widely used in Australia.
But probably the best Riesling of all is from Austria. You
probably have to go to Austria to sample it, as the Austrians
want to keep it to themselves! When you taste it, you'll
understand why! Austrian Riesling is one of the wine world's
best kept secrets.
If you haven't tried Riesling yet, you're in for a treat. Look
for the labels Johannisberg Riesling or White Riesling. If you
prefer it dry, it will be labeled "dry" or "trocken". If you are
new to it, you may prefer to start with the sweeter variety.
This will probably be labeled "Auslese". Try it with trout
pan-fried in butter - delicious! It's also one of the few wines
that taste good with spicy Asian foods.
So don't turn up your nose at Riesling. Just make sure you get
the real thing.
About the Author:
Elaine Berry is the owner of Vintage Wine Associates, a small
company for those who love wine and everything to do with it.
For information about all aspects of wine and a selection of
unique and original wine gifts, come and join us at
www.myvintagewine.com
Article Source www.GoArticles.com
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