The Mosel. The name of a region and a river and a home to some of the world’s best Riesling. Three fun things to know:
1 Riesling is the grape most associated with Germany, with records dating to the fifteenth century, when the Ming Dynasty ruled China. (Viticulture in the Mosel region goes back about two millennium thanks to the ancient Romans.)
2 More than 60 percent of Mosel vineyards feature Riesling. And the grapes grow on quite steep slopes. How steep? One is angled at a dizzying 65 degrees. (If they decide to make ice wine, they can ski down the slopes to grab the grapes!)
Mosel. Source/germanwinesusa.com
3 Riesling reached its peak status in the nineteenth century, when it ranked among the world’s most-sought and expensive wines, on par with the best of France.
Riesling is now found far from Germany, including in China. Visit the museums of wine producer Changyu and will find old Riesling labels!
Riesling labels at Changyu's museum
Source/Jim Boyce
Now, let’s get drinking.
Such Riesling offers ample refreshment on these increasingly hot days. Cool, crisp and fairly low in alcohol—typically between 8 percent and 12 percent--they are a pleasant way to chill out.
GIF/gifgy.com
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