Every grape has its day. For Pinot Noir, it’s August 18. For Merlot, November 7. Cabernet Franc takes the spotlight on December 4.
And Riesling, the versatile grape most associated with Germany? It gets two whole months!
Wines of Germany has declared both July and August as a special time to promote and drink Riesling in China. A “summer of Riesling.”
Photo credit: winesofgermany.com.cn
This extra-long celebration should introduce more people to Riesling and help revive its nineteenth-century status as one of the world’s most sought-after wines.
Riesling certainly has lots to offer, with wines that range from rich and honeyed to dry and racy. And CHEERS has a deal on its four offerings throughout July: buy two bottles for a 15 percent discount, four bottles for 20 percent and six bottles for 25 percent. Along with the hot summer weather, that’s good incentive to enjoy these Rieslings.
Tussock Jumper Riesling
Tussock Jumper Riesling hails from Rheinhessen, the biggest and warmest wine region in Germany. This semi-sweet wine is light and fruity, with enticing citrus and melon character.
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Thomas Riesling
Thomas Riesling is from Nahe, a much smaller region but one with 2,000 years of wine history. This wine is also semi-sweet, with refreshing green apple and citrus character, and minerality from the volcanic soils and slate found at some Nahe vineyards.
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Konigsmosel
Konigsmosel, which uses grapes grown on steep slopes along the river Mosel, is juicy and packed with orchard fruit character—think ripe apples and pears. This one has a nicely balanced sweetness.
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Donatushof
Finally, Donatushof, which gets its fruit from along the Saar river, which flows into the Mosel. This one is subtler and arguably the most intriguing of the four. Dry and lean, it starts with milder fruit sensations, notably pear, with a zingy citrus touch and fine minerality at the finish.
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Try drinking the Donatushof over several days to see how the tastes and aromas develop. After all, there is plenty of time given we have an entire summer of Riesling.
Original by Jim Boyce, Grape Wall of China 葡萄围城
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CHEERS BISTRO
What to pair with Riesling? Try some of our freshly made foods including cheese, sandwiches, salad and more offered at CHEERS Bistro on Store 32.
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