Three of the Best German Rieslings to Try this Spring

Of all the German grape varieties, none is more synonymous with fine German wine, than the noble Riesling. A true favourite of wine drinkers the world over, a good Riesling wine is elegant, rich in character, high in natural fruit acidity and has a racy freshness. It’s also expressive of its terroir and ages exceptionally well. Traditionally used to make sweet wines, Riesling’s versatility means it is now commonly used to make dry and sparkling white wines.

Riesling originated in the heart of the Rhine valley. The grape's first documented existence was in 1435, in a cellar log from Germany's small Hessische Bergstrasse wine region, south-east of Rheingau. Due to its surge in popularity Riesling is now the country’s premier grape variety, accounting for a fifth of all plantings and is grown across all the winemaking regions of Germany. There is an abundance of choice when it comes to Rieslings, particularly with so many wines available to buy online, but not all Rieslings are created equally. The WineBarn’s MD Iris Ellmann recommends her top three favourite Rieslings to enjoy this spring…

The Wine: The 2014 Red Slate Riesling or ‘Riesling Vom Roten Schiefer’ is a certified organic and biodynamic wine. This Riesling has herbal notes, which compliment its intense flavours of grapefruit and spice. A powerful yet elegant wine, it is harmoniously balanced with a fine acidity.

Origin: This dry Riesling is produced from the fruit of Clemens Busch’s Marienburg vineyard, which is one of the best sites in Mosel region, due to its weathered red slate soils and steep south/south-east facing slopes.

Winemaking Philosophy: In 1984, Clemens and his wife Rita, decided to convert to sustainable, organic viniculture out of their deep respect for the environment. In practice, this has meant a commitment to intense manual labour - working the vineyards by hand, using biological diversity to protect the vines naturally and without the use of any synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers. The result is soil that is full of vitality and deep-rooted vines that deliver healthy, high quality fruit.

Food Pairing: This Riesling is the perfect companion to light dishes such as a salmon steak or chicken with salad.

....................................................

The Wine: Refreshing and elegant, this is a classic Riesling. Bursting with intense fruit flavours and full of character, it is an absolute pleasure to drink.

Origin: The wine’s name recalls the year the winery was founded. These centuries-old vineyards in Westhofen, Rheinhessen have been cared for by the generations of the Groebe family. This vineyard is classified by the VDP (an association of which only Germany’s most elite winemakers are members) as a Grosse Lage site. This is the highest classification that can be achieved based on the wine’s quality, uniqueness and distinctiveness derived from its origin.
The south-east facing slopes on which the grapes for this wine were grown has a loess loam and clay top layer with sand beneath.

Winemaking Philosophy: Groebe manage their vineyards sustainably using natural vegetation to promote the growth of the vines and without the use of herbicides, insecticides or mineral fertilisers. The grapes were harvested by hand in early October, then gently pressed. Using traditional methods, this Riesling was cold-fermented and vinified in oak barrels.

Food Pairing: The ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes, particularly spicy Asian cuisine.

....................................................

 

The Wine: A moderately heavy wine it is robust and mature, yet not too intense. Its playful fruitiness, minerality and fine acidity, combine to give this Riesling its lively character. It delights on the palate with ripe, fruity-sweet apple, apricot and peach flavours and has enticing aromas of citrus and fresh chervil.

Origin: The southerly facing vineyards, near the river Rhine on which the grapes for this Riesling were grown, have deep calcareous loess soil.

Winemaking Philosophy: As a VDP member, Allendorf proudly own 70 hectares of some of the best vineyards in Winkel, Rüdesheim and Assmannshausen. The Allendorf family’s focus is on producing wines that reflect their terroir and are typical of Rheingau region. As this wine is from the Winkel site, it is characterised by loess and loam soil found there.

Food Pairing: This Riesling is well-suited to fried fish, veal and shellfish. creamy pasta dishes such as spaghetti carbonara.

 

If you would like to sample some of Germany’s finest Rieslings for yourself, we have put together a special Riesling Half Case, which includes two bottles of each of the wines mentioned in this blog. Or to check out our full range of special offers on wine, click here.

While many of the larger wine companies have ceased deliveries, supermarket wine supplies are running low and you have the chance to avoid the queues, why not stay safe during the pandemic and let us deliver wine to your door? As the best place to buy wine online, we will deliver it to your home within 2 to 3 days.

Iris is also happy to offer personal recommendations and advice of wine selection. To discuss your wine requirements, please email: iris@thewinebarn.co.uk or call 01962 761 215.