Top 6 in the Six: Wines of the Week-#RieslingBirthday

Did you know March 13th is the official birthday of Riesling? Riesling originated in Germany and this day gives wine lovers an annual occasion to celebrate this popular grape varietal. This date was chosen because it was near the Rheingau region in Germany and it was on March 13, 1435 that the very first documented evidence of the grape from the cellar log of Count Katzenelnbogen was mentioned.  

March 13th, 2021 marks the 586th birthday of Riesling. It is  a noble  grape and it  characterized by its green skin, round shape, and moderate size in shape in a cluster. To the many who love it, it is aromatic, full of florals and citrus and overall quite an enchanting wine. In fact, many top wine critics and enthusiasts believe that Riesling is the world’s finest white wine grape variety.

Germany – its home, is a cool climate region, and  is famous for producing high quality Riesling wines for the world to enjoy. Actually Germany produces the most Riesling in the entire world and they have 13 designated regions where wine is grown.  Riesling pairs well with most of your favourite foods, especially if the foods have a bit of spice and/or are Asian style in flavour. 

Riesling is also a great wine to sip in the summer and during the day as alcohol levels are lower in German wines making them a great choice for lighter  summer sipping.  A perfect glass of Riesling has just the right amount of acidity, fruit, sweetness and zest for your palate to enjoy – it’s perfectly balanced and lovable. 

Rivers  flow through each of Germany’s wine regions and these rivers formed gorges responsible for creating Germany’s famous steeped sloped vineyards and rocky slate soils. Germany also has volcanic soils and sandstone soils in many regions making the region even more exciting and wonderful to visit – when we are able. 

Looking to learn more about the history? Germany has a deep history of winemaking that dates back before 50 BC.  Riesling has long been considered Germany’s most celebrated grapes and there are even German Wine Queens that are celebrated each and every year.  Winegrowers in the Rheingau and the Mosel have the longest tradition of growing Riesling, with historical records from the early 15^th century. Evidence of the spread to today’s Rheinhessen and the Pfalz regions date back to the end of the 15^th and the first half of the 16^th century. As climate and viticulture evolved, the 19^th century was a golden age of German wine. In 1995, Riesling started again to be the king of German wines and is associated with a change in the quality-oriented thinking and patterns of consumption in the country. 

Here are just a few great wines for you to celebrate #RieslingBirthday on March 13th, 2021. 

Henkell Trocken

Henkell began in 1856 and is one of Germany’s most recognized sparkling wine brands around the world. This sparkling wine comes in all types of sizes, including 200ML, 750ML and 500ML.  The wine is the perfect way to pop and celebrate #RieslingBirthday this week. Filled with perfect bubbles the wine also has flavours of citrus and stone fruit. Enjoy with order in sushi or thai food, roasted chicken or in a brunch cocktail. 

Deinhard Riesling Dry Rheinhessen

Deinhard knows that Riesling is the King or grapes. With an over 200 year old history, these wines are always at the top of my list for fun, fabulous and fresh celebrations The Lion symbol and icon has always been closely linked to the history of the Deinhard family. This wine is ideal on its own or  mixed with ginger ale paired with a great movie or bestie catch-up. It comes from a larger family of wines, so be sure to try them all – as they are all wines that reign!

Clean Slate Riesling Mosel

This label I can never forget. I appreciate the fact that the winery tells a story right there for us to see on the front of the botte. The flat rocks shown on the label share the story of the terroir of the region where the grapes are grown. Flat black rocks or slate  (they can also sometimes be blue) sit on the steeply-sloped banks of Germany’s Mosel River and are home to the world’s most celebrated Riesling wines and extreme rocky terroir. The wines are filled with floral and herbal aromas, balanced with lime, citrus and melons finished with a touch of mineralit. The bright acidity helps give the wine both life and freshness. This wine is an amazing price and can pair nicely with taco and Mexican dishes.

Moselland Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Riesling

Serving up some fantastic seafood this week? Pop into a local market or grocer and try shucking your own oysters, grilling up some shrimp or making your own seafood noodle dish.  This deal won’t last for long for this wine, so pick up three bottles and keep them on file for the summer. You’ll love the taste and price of this fab wine! Look out for  aromas and flavours of fresh herbs, slate, honey and citrus and peaches. 

Modernist Dry Riesling 2019

‘The 2019 vintage is said to be a pretty epic vintage in Germany and this bottle screams for a wonderfully paired dinner. Serve chilled with elegant shellfish or mussels – and make sure you even use it in the cooking! The wine is zippy and wonderful and truly craves the perfect pairing!  If you’re ordering in, look for menus that can level up your dining like Hana  or Miku to really level up your dining experience. 

Familie SteffenTrittenheimer Altärchen Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2018

The Steffen family started planting grapes in 1794. The family first bottled their own wines in 1910. A level up when it comes to Riesling wines, you can pair this with gourmet sausages on a fun Saturday night or Sunday afternoon to celebrate #RieslingBirthday to the fullest! Yes Rieslings can be aged, so pick up a few of these to put into your cellar for few years to hibernate, aged Rieslings can be one of the best investments for your cellar ever.