Turning Leaf Vineyards Riesling 2011

Winemaker's Notes:

Tasting Notes: Surprising. Graceful. Like no other Riesling. Rich with citrus flavors and aromas, with hints of apricots and fresh lemon. Expect a subtle floral fragrance tinged with freshly cut grasses. Turning Leaf Riesling is light bodied, with the ability to pair with a wide variety of flavors-smoked, salty and spicy as well. For an unforgettable taste experience, pair with Creole-style crayfish, stir-fried chicken with hoisin sauce, smoked salmon, or robust blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort and Cambozola. The 2005 harvest turned out to be one of the best vintages for Rieslings in Germany. Because of the quality of the 2005 harvest, Turning Leaf winemakers challenged themselves from the get-go to preserve as much natural character as possible. The crop was harvested at night, when the grapes are not as fragile and prone to damage. Following delivery to the winery, they were top loaded into a membrane press, two methods well known for gentle processing of the fruit. Such care and consideration is time consuming, but pays off in the long run. The press juice remains relatively free of bitter flavor components that are released when the skins, stems or seeds are subjected to unnecessary roughness. Before fermentation at cool temperatures, the juice was also allowed to cold settle, during which time it further absorbs freshness and delicate flavor, creating a finished wine with surprising depth of character. The 2005 vintage was bottled beginning in March of 2006.