Riesling is
a traditional grape found along the Rhine river. It was
first grown in Germany in the 15th century and in Alsace
a few decades later. Riesling covers now roughly 25% of
the vineyards in Alsace.
Riesling is the
most elegant grape of the Alsace region.
It gives dry, neat, graceful and well-balanced wine. Riesling
is known to be the finest Alsace wine.
Wine has a light
yellow green colour. Older riesling have strong mineral
aromas while younger wines offer flowery notes.
Riesling is brilliant with fish, shell-fish, poultry, cold meat and famous Alsatian dishes such as sauerkraut or smoked ham.
A younger Riesling
should be served colder (9°C - 48°F) than an older Riesling
(11°C - 52°F). Riesling should be drunk after 5 years but
a wine is already very good after one or two years.
Riesling grapes
grow now in many locations in the US, South Africa, Australia,
Bulgaria, Slovakia and beyond. Do not confuse with German
Riesling which is mostly a sweet wine but can also be a
dry or a sparkling wine.