RAISE A GLASS
There’s an event in July that I always look forward to. The annual 31 Days of German Riesling has been launched by Wines of Germany.
Last year wine merchants and restaurants in more than 60 UK cities and towns took German riesling to their hearts, despite the restrictions.
Germany is a cool climate region. Wine producers use several techniques to enable the grapes to soak up sun and warmth so they can ripen and develop signature flavours.
That can include planting vineyards on sun-dappled south-facing slopes, or near to rivers which radiate the warmth of the sun back.
German riesling flavours can range from a thrilling lemon and lime to riper, stone and tropical fruits.
Here are three to tease your tastebuds.
Gymnasium Fritz Willi Riesling 2019 (£10.95, at ndjohn.co.uk) is a summerfresh wine created from grapes grown on the steep slopes by the Saar and Mosel rivers. The wine zippily sings with aromas of lemons and green apples, with a flourish of ripe apricot.
The Boar Riesling
(£12.99, Laithwaites) is from the Rheingau, north of Rheinhessen and to the east of the Mosel. Vineyards are planted by the banks of the Rhine, making the most of slopes and the river’s warmth to create wines of world-renown.
This wine shows lemon and lime characteristics, a fruity tease of nectarine and a subtle floral note. Gunderloch Estate Dry Riesling 2019 (£13.69, at rannochscott. co.uk) is from the Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine region and characterful, elegant wines can be found here.
Oh my, this wine just wants to be served with fish, but no creamy sauces folks, which would coat your palate and dampen the bright, fresh flavours of bright lemons with a seam of minerality.
The wine’s acidic thrill could cut through the fatty crunch of pork crackling at Sunday lunch.
(PS: I brought you another of Gunderloch’s wines a few months ago: Gunderloch Red Stone Riesling, £8 in the Co-op).
Discover more about riesling from Germany at winesofgermany.co.uk or follow the hashtag #31Daysofgerman Riesling on social media and keep an eye out for restaurants and retailers taking part near you.
Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.