German Rieslings: Vibrant wines to discover

The arrival of spring is closely associated with German Rieslings. Here are six of these wines to brighten your spring and fill it with sunshine.

The history of viticulture here dates back more than 2000 years, thanks initially to the Romans, and Riesling is said to have been born precisely in the Moselle region. A cool and temperate continental climate influenced by the gentle wind of the Golf Stream and to the south by the Alpine fœhn is favorable in this favorite terroir that is Germany, moreover the most northerly in the world. south-west, just like the stony steep hillsides near the rivers at high altitude, confer refreshing acidity, energy and a beautiful aromatic expression in addition to great versatility at the table. By the way, learn a little more about German Rieslings here

Discover the Lively German Rieslings

For several years, a young generation of winemakers has transformed the award-winning wine portrait and some rieslings are among the best in the world, whether dry (trocken), semi-dry, sweet or licorious. Note that there are also among others the higher quality levels Qualitätswein (QbA) and Prädikatswein (depending on the residual sugar content and in ascending order of maturity), Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, BeerenAuslese (BA), Eiswein and TrockenBeerenAuslese (TBA)). There are also Premiers Crus (Erstes Gewächs) and Grands Crus (GG or Grosses Gewächs). In the end, an association of the 200 top producers constitutes the VDP, a symbol that you will sometimes find on the bottle.

Interesting facts on German Rieslings

Interestingly, 61% of the world’s riesling is produced in Germany (8th largest producer country in the world in 2018), of which it represents around 22% of the vineyard, making it the emperor grape. It is cultivated in all wine regions but mainly near the Moselle, the Rhine, the Main and the Nahe. The main production regions are the Palatinate (Pfalz), which is the largest riesling region in the world, the Rheinhessen, the Moselle whose steep soils are blue slate of limestone and shale, the Rheingau, Baden (or Baden ) the hottest and finally the Nahe; the vast majority of production is now dry, we will sometimes see the word trocken on the bottle but not necessarily. In addition, German Riesling often has a lower alcohol content, generally below 10%!

In closing, several other grape varieties are notorious and delicious, including the pinot noir and gris, just as vibrant these German rieslings!

The German Rieslings Selection

Dr. Loosen Riesling 2018

There are rieslings with residual sugar for people who love and this is a good example at a low price. Personally I appreciated it because it is really well done. Fortunately, its acidity is refreshing which brings balance. Green apple, white flowers, stone fruit, beautiful aromatic, a bit of hydrocarbon, ample, everything is there. You can have fun as an aperitif, with spicy Thai dishes or a fruit dessert.

• Riesling 100%

Available in SAQ

• SAQ Code: 10685251

Burg Ravensburg Riesling 2017

Coming from the region of Baden, the sunniest, southern and warmest of Germany, this vineyard which is one of the first in Germany (1251) also produces beautiful pinot noir. Mr. Claus Burmeister is one of the prime contractors! In the mouth we detect the ripe green apple, the lime and the peach; it is dry, full and expressive, in organic culture and biodynamic! There are few left in SAQ, watch for the next shipment in June. However their HEITLINGER RIESLING SHINY RIVER in PI is quite similar and worthy of mention. Lobster, sushi, vegetarian poke or tuna & salmon will be sublimated in harmony. (Agence Bénédictus, cs from 12 to around $ 23 per 750ml).

• Varietal: Riesling 100%

Available in SAQ

• SAQ Code: 13453762

Staffelter Hof Magnus Riesling 2017

There are rieslings with residual sugar for people who love and this is a good example at a low price. Personally I appreciated it because it is really well done. Fortunately, its acidity is refreshing which brings balance. Green apple, white flowers, stone fruit, beautiful aromatic, a bit of hydrocarbon, ample, everything is there. You can have fun as an aperitif, with spicy Thai dishes or a fruit dessert.

• Varietal: Riesling 100%

Available in SAQ

• SAQ Code: 13314480

Weingut Von Hovel Riesling Feinherb Mosel 2016

Another wine from the magnificent steep Moselle valley, in feinherb declination which means semi-dry, it is more qualitative and expensive than the first presented in this article. Green apple, lime, grapefruit, hydrocarbon, vibrant, high and sharp acidity, mineral that combines sweetness and balance, long finish and note only 10.5% alcohol! WA 90 rating, and for those interested this wine is vegan. Tuna sashimi or spicy Asian dishes will be enhanced with this riesling.

• Varietal: Riesling 100%.

Available in SAQ

• SAQ Code: 14035731

Riesling Trocken Dönnhoff 2017

The slopes are steep along the magnificent Nahe, and this wine has crystalline reflections, it sports green apple, stone fruits, lime, there is fruit purity and precision, white flower, lively and sharp acidity; it is dry (trocken) and mineral to perfection. Let’s think of a shrimp ceviche, lemon and coriander fish or pork tenderloins with apples for a great pairing.

• Varietal: Riesling 100%

Available in SAQ

• SAQ Code: 13510552

Selbach Oster Sonnennuhr Riesling Stätlese Mosel 2016

Spätlese designates the 2nd of the 7 Prädikat (style of wine determined by the maturity of the grape at harvest). As a result the fruit is more ripe and we revel here in the candied fruit whose pear, it is smoked, light, the acidity is refreshing and it is mineral. The highlight is that it has only 8.5% alcohol. This wine has also received good ratings from experts: WS93, WA94, JS 93. Carafe if possible and taste with cheeses, butternut squash, scallops with mashed cauliflower, or a spicy Thai dish.

• Varietal: Riesling 100%

Available in SAQ

• SAQ Code: 13999052

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