Riesling Tasting

I have a few friends that get together and taste wine as and when we can meet. Last night we tasted a few Rieslings from old and new world. Old being the European countries and new being countries such as New Zealand, America and Australia. I love the Riesling grape and I have to say older the better! The grape originated from the Rhine in Germany and the fascinating thing with Riesling is that it doesn’t need to be messed with. What I mean by this is that its natural characteristics are enough, it doesn’t need oak or resting on its lees this grape is what they call “natural expressive” where it is grown is what really influences the grape. This grape is well known for its kerosene notes. Yes petrol and it is good! Rosealynne a friend of the wine group is a scientist and knows great interesting facts and apparently the petrol note is considered to be caused by the compound 1,1,6 – trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN) which during the ageing process is created from carotenoid precursors by acid hydrolysis! It also shows flowery perfumed notes high acidity and the style of wine made is versatile from dry all the way to sweet and sparkling.

As I mentioned the wines that were on offer last night were from different parts of the world and these were.

Main Divide Riesling 2008 Waipara Valley New Zealand

Gorgoues colour of yellow with a tinge of green, the nose jumped out of the glass, honeysuckle, lemon, lime and a hint of kerosene. The palette didn’t stand up to the nose it lacked acidity for the sweet edge to the wine.

Domaine Schlumberger 2007 Alsace

Beautiful yellow golden colour, powerful nose yet delicate, pear drops and lemon. It was dry with green apple apples, sharp acidity. It had a good length and is ideal with food.

Paulettes 2008 Polish River, Clare Valley Australia

Deep golden colour, stewed apples, floral, honeysuckle and that hint of kerosene on the nose, which all followed through with a medium finish.

Deutschherrenhof 2003 Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany

Very pale compared to the last wines we tried. Delicate nose of floral and honeysuckle. Medium acidity, great weight and feel in the mouth with those delicious kerosene notes.

Dr Loosen Beerenauslese 2006 Mosel Germany

This is the daddy! Dr Loosen Beerenauslese you know its going be good. The nose full of fruit, apples, burnt orange honey and raisin. The wine is well balanced luscious sweetness and refreshing acidity.