Sitting down with a few girlfriends over a glass of wine the other night, we inevitably got onto the topic of relationships. We talked about dating, and the challenges of trying to find the elusive “one” that makes all others drop away. As a society, we are generally encouraged to date and try different people on, to determine the qualities that we like and don’t like in a partner. Among my single friends, they seemed to equally love the variety of meeting different people, yet feel compelled to settle down with that perfect companion, and end the ongoing search.

In many ways, the search for the perfect wine is much like the search for the perfect partner. We go out into the world, with a mission to sample and test and experience. We evaluate and discuss with our friends. We make lists of pros and cons. We give up on those that don’t make us feel happy. When in doubt, we move on to the next exciting thing!

Half of the joy of wine is trying new options, yet there is still a common motivation to find a favourite – a comfortable and reliable choice. For many people, picking a favourite is a challenge, usually followed up with any number of qualifiers. Well, if I am eating this, I would choose this. If I am in this region, or this environment, or this mood, I would choose this. If I am among friends, or alone in bed with a glass, I would choose this.

Strangely enough, my deep-down most preferred choice is often the same. I have no challenges in picking favourites! I have accepted, that in my relationship with wine: I am a serial monogamist with Riesling.

Of all of the grapes in Germany (and possibly the world!) the most noble is Riesling. Riesling produces elegant wines of luxurious character, with aromas of floral and citrus, peaches and perfume. I love the acidity, the sweetness and potential for gracefully aging in the bottle. It is my true “one” and a bottle I return to over and over.

Riesling is the bottle I keep an unlimited supply of, bring to every party, and seek out to sip. When I find an old bottle of Riesling on a wine list it literally makes me drool and I immediately order it to share with my group! If you invite me to your wedding, you will receive a case of Riesling (so hope you like it as much as I do!) because I love to give people a wine they can drink now and can also put in their cellar.

In celebration of the birthday of Riesling on March 13th , I decided to share with you all of the reasons why Riesling is an empress among all grapes. March 13th has now been called International Riesling Day – coined by Wines of Germany based on March 13th 1435, Klaus Kleinfisch, an administrator of Count Johann IV. of Katzenelnbogen, bought vines to be planted in a vineyard in Rüsselsheim close to Frankfurt, Germany. In the legal sales document, the word “Riesling” is mentioned for the first time ever! Therefore, we can claim with good reason that March 13th is the birthday of Riesling.

So to celebrate the birthday of German Riesling here are the top 5 things you need to
know about Riesling:

1. It’s the Absolute Perfect Food Pairing Wine

The perfect partner to all types of food. A bottle of Riesling will go with anything.

2. It is Typically Hand-Picked from Old Vines on Steep Hillsides

The home to Riesling is in Germany and there are 13 wine-growing regions in the country and all of them produce world class Riesling wines. These wines come in an array of profiles from dry-to-sweet. With a cooler growing climate the wines have delicate aromas and perfect acidity.

3. It is NOT Always Sweet

Enough Said. Most are dry dry dry.

4. Old Riesling Tastes Awesome

Riesling that is old tastes very very interesting (think floral, petrol and almond notes) and if you’re any sort of a wine enthusiast this flavour profile will leave you salivating and appreciating this fine grape over and over again. Craving the perfect flavour.

5. It’s Easy on the Wallet

You don’t have to break the bank to find great Riesling. You can also add these wines to you cellar (refer to #4) and keep them for a long time without a heavy initial investment.

Celebrate #RieslingBirthday on March 13th , 2020 by heading to the Wines of Germany section at the your local wine shop or LCBO in Ontario and pick up a bottle of Riesling. My favourite food pairing is a photogenic artisan cheese board, sushi delivery, or pad thai.