Hiroe
20.04.2021 6:25:25
Like the Chardonnay from October, we have Dr. Konstantin Frank to thank for Finger Lakes Riesling- and a big, huge ‘thank you’ I’ll send him!
See full version: November is Riesling Month
Like the Chardonnay from October, we have Dr. Konstantin Frank to thank for Finger Lakes Riesling- and a big, huge ‘thank you’ I’ll send him!
Our terroir was created hundreds of thousands of years ago when the 11 Finger Lakes were carved out by multiple waves of glaciers. The soil deposits, which consists of a shallow layer of topsoil perched on top of sloping shale beds, is fast draining and low in nutrients and ideal for quality grape production. The large and deep freshwater lakes are known as “the glacier’s gifts to modern winemakers.” Taken from the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance website is the best summary of the positive effects the lakes have on the vineyards. “The massive bodies of water, visible from our vineyards, have a profound effect on the grapes. During the winter, cold air drains naturally from the sloping vineyards to the lakes. In spring, cool air bathes the vines, delaying the start of the growing season so that the tender shoots are not injured by late frosts. In the fall, the sun-warmed lakes prevent early frosts and extend the growing season.”
In total, our 14 member wineries have 50 different Rieslings to choose from! All ranging from dry to sweet. Which leads me to my next topic… here
By contrast, the 2018 vintage is an epic romantic comedy that has instantaneous international appeal and a heart-swooning finish. This vintage was marked by a long, dry and consistently hot summer that produced powerful, ripe wines with ample fruit and structure. more
Weingut Stiftung St. Nikolaus-Hospital 2018 Cardinal Cusanus Stiftswein Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese (Mosel); $37, 92 points. Saffron and honeycomb lend complexity to sunny pink-grapefruit and yellow-cherry flavors here. The palate reverberates with staccato hits of lime and lemon and a lingering honey finish. This is an ethereally light but satisfyingly sweet sip to enjoy now through 2030. Kysela Père et Fils.
S.A. Prüm 2017 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Grosse Lage (Mosel); $35, 94 points. While the nose is smoky and demure, the palate of this concentrated spätlese offers penetrating pink grapefruit, lemon and lime. It’s exuberantly forward and lip-smackingly sweet, but it maintains an elegant edge of crushed slate. The finish is long and bristling with high-toned acidity. At peak now through 2030 but will hold further still. Taub Family Selections. [links]
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler 2018 Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese (Mosel); $25, 94 points. While the nose is restrained, this finely filigreed spätlese offers piercing pink-grapefruit and lemon flavors. Its juicy style is offset by a pure, crystalline minerality and spine-tingling acidity. It’s delicious now, but should improve through 2035 and likely hold further. Miller Squared Inc. [links]
Nearly ripe Riesling grapes
First, the VDP. This is an organization that is now over 100 years old, having been launched in 1910. VDP stands for Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter, which translates as Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates. Prädikat is an umbrella term used to denote the highest category of quality wines produced.
In this first post on the trip, I want to report what I learned about Germany's unique national organization of leading producers -- the VDP. I also want to share with you my new found appreciation of dry German Riesling -- the style that's currently most popular in Germany itself.
Dry white wines are any with less than 1 percent residual sugar. Dry white wines are known for their light straw or amber color, delicate bouquet and flavor, and lightness. Dry white wines were originally produced in Germany and France, but several varietals are now grown in the U.S. and New Zealand as well. Many common white table wines are considered dry or near-dry.
Chardonnay is the most popular white wine and can vary from dry to fruity. European Chardonnays, such as those from France's Burgundy region, typically have a lean acidity and are best consumed after some aging. American Chardonnays tend to have hints of baked apple and spice. Chardonnay is served cold as an aperitif or paired with seafood or poultry.
Sauvignon Blanc can have a citrus flavor and crisp acidity. It can be less expensive than other dry white wines and, served cold, pairs well with shellfish and some citrus desserts, such as key lime pie.