Dry Riesling

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Dry Riesling Lemon and zest and cool, crisp minerality. That sounds like a recipe for summer wine now, doesn’t it? That may be, but so many people simply aren’t aware of where to turn to for some of the most thirst-quenching wines for summer. Take Riesling, for example. Yes many are downright sweet, and popular for that reason, but others can be dry (bone dry in some instances) to barely off-dry in others.

These drier Rieslings can be a perfect choice for summer, not only because they are so refreshing, but also because their bright acidity tends to work well with foods we commonly enjoy during the warm summer months.

What am I talking about? How about ceviche, salads, chilled seafood; all can be paired perfectly with dry Rieslings! Now before we veer off into a discussion about the difficulty in deciphering German wine labels, check this out. Great Rieslings are coming from around the globe and two of my favorite regions for them might come as a surprise to you: Australia and New York’s own Finger Lakes district! I’ll get into some other well-known Riesling regions in my next Riesling review write-up (ahem, Austria), but for today, explore some surprising Rieslings for summer.

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Comments

Stephen-
Harvey

Hand of Snooth

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Greg

Great Line up of Aussie Rieslings - must try to get some NewYorkers over here - time to get Lot 18 to sort out its export capabilities!!

I personally think Dry Riesling is one of the best value wines on the market.. The Aussie ones age very well and hit a really good spot at 10 years, the best like Grosset will do 20 easily.

How do the New Yorkers Age

Jul 19, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Gregory-
Dal Piaz

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

89065 96,056

Grosset Polish Hill is crazy good. Did a vertical a few years back and it totally opened my eyes to the beauty of Australian Riesling. I agree with you about their being tremendous values, especially when compared with other country's dry versions. Too bad that the whole genre is sort of lumped together with Aussie wines and people can't differentiate between styles and varieties from such a big country.

Not sure how the NY versions age since I've only had examples with a handful of years on them but based on those example they seem to age fine but are not destined for long term keeping.

Jul 19, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Stephen-
Harvey

Hand of Snooth

220753 1,449

Greg

I have a vertical of 97,99,00,02,03,05,07,08,09,10 in the cellar and ready for a tasting - just need to find time and team

PS Did you get the channel article I sent to your email address.

Jul 19, 2011 at 11:43 AM
gentlemanj-
ack45

345791 119

I was in the Finger Lakes twice this summer, must of visited over 50 wineries, I was surprised in many of the finds in the region. Some of the smaller wineries are out shining the long time favorites. Was a bit disappointed in some of the long time favorites, they are losing their distinctive terroir styles. Dr Frank especially. It is time for wine writers and alike to take a second look. If your a lover of more minerally Riesling similar to Alsace try South Eastern PA, Bucks County.

Jul 19, 2011 at 4:19 PM
Michelle-
Nebbs

889193 1

We've recently discovered a range of medium-very dry reislings from Crawford River here in Victoria Australia - all incredible since 2008 and just getting better.

Jul 19, 2011 at 6:25 PM
Stephen-
Harvey

Hand of Snooth

220753 1,449

Michelle
Crawford River are producing some really great rieslings, you should also try the Drumborg Riesling from Seppelt, it is quite stunning

Jul 19, 2011 at 10:10 PM
winejaunt

861874 117

If you like the Finger Lakes Rieslings potential - check out the Rieslings they make from Finger Lakes fruit at the Brooklyn Winery. Also, I've found some great finds exploring around both Alsace and Austria, if you want to continue exploring non-German Riesling.

Jul 19, 2011 at 11:28 PM
gerrad

79282 49

apart from the obvious clare/eden valleys and coonawarra or canberra (especially)..also try tasmania (josef chromy), great southern/mt barker/porongorups (howard park, gilberts, trevelen farm, castle rock (!!)), and further round to denmark/albany (oranje tractor) and up to margaret river (abbey farm, leeuwin est., evans & tate/mcwilliams) all good, mostly dry, good acidity, mineral, citrus/lime- and under A$30 almost without exception! {thats cheap people} Get drinking it.

Jul 20, 2011 at 3:37 AM
Capn Jax

885212 13

Great selections here. I've had that Dr Frank many times and love it. Thanks.

Jul 20, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Gregory-
Dal Piaz

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

89065 96,056

Always looking for additional Australian Rieslings to try so thank for the reccos. Only problem is that these can be hard to track down here in the states, but I'll do my best. And yes, these are inexpensive folks, particularly for the value.

As far as the Finger lakes goes, I think a late fall trip might be in order!

Jul 21, 2011 at 11:21 AM
gerrad

79282 49

im working on trying to do something about u.s. availability of aussie rieslings etc. actually, as my brother has just moved from perth to philly and he wants to bring out some aussie wines for some (more) rich guy who wants a cellar stocked. i hope there may be a way to think bigger than that- ill be in touch with offers if something more permenant emerges. its just some of your laws get in the way in some states as you'll well know.

Jul 21, 2011 at 2:00 PM