Riesling (light and elegant)

Riesling, the 2012 vintage, Germany, Rheinhessen, QbA

Riesling was my first chosen grape when I started learning about wines. And it is one of my firsts (=best) grapes. Is it because it is light and elegant like me? ;) Could be...

AROMA AND FLAVOUR:
When I hear Riesling, I think refreshing and zesty wine and this is how it should be. You can taste citrusy note, a bit of crunchy apple that promise a crisp finish. If offers a great change to other chunky wines we are presented with on shop shelves.

BEST REGION no 1:
* Germany
Of course it had to be Germany! Didn't the name sound to you tough and strict? ;)
As a child I was sure they produce best shampoo and dark chocolate. As a woman I have discovered they also grow excellent grapes.

German Riesling will pretend an innocent type as alcohol level will only reach 10% (7-8% are also common).

Thanks to a cool climate wine from Riesling should be subtle, but then again, it may vary from bottle to bottle. So if you feel like something delicate for the first date go for a bottle from the MOSEL region
(http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Moselgold-Riesling-aus-Steillagen-Trocken-2012/29152).

If you crave for more intense experience, give a try to Riesling from the RHEINGAU (http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Weingut-Leitz-R%FCdesheimer-Magdalenenkreuz-Sp%E4tlese-2012/29188).

Finally, if you a fan of the unknown, you should choose a modern-style bottle from the PFALZ (http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/Reichsrat-von-Buhl-Deidesheimer-Riesling-2013/29712).

Have you already twisted your tongue trying to spell out the regions? There is more to come...

As for the quality, you really want to (your wallet not so much) try wines labelled QmP (Qualitätswein mit Prädikat) or just Qualitatswein, which designates the first quality. For the record, the 2nd quality category would be QbA. Once you grab a bottle you may look out for category names revealing dryness level. Kabinett -> Spatlese -> Auslese -> Beerenauslese -> Trockenbeerenauslese are in order of increasing sweetness/decreasing dryness.

A lot to remember? Yes. Just as a lot to love :)


* France - Alsace
Surprising? If I tell you that at several times during its history Alsace was incorporated into the German Empire you will see why.

Wine that France can offer will be richer and more full-bodied than their western neighbours as well as it will have higher alcohol levels. Go for bottles labelled grand cru, which will indicate the best fruit in the region.
(http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/29895)

* ... but not least. Australia! Clare Valley and Eden Valley
Go for it if you feel like juicy, sun-kissed wine. Australians produce even riper Riesling which you should fine delicious.
(http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/product/28727)