Rieslings from Alsace are drier
Date: Tuesday, May 30 @ 14:57:34 MST
Topic: Discover France through Alsace.
Riesling wines vary widely in style reflecting both where the grapes are grown and when. Many wine aficionados, including Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, believe Riesling's wide variety of styles qualifies it for one of the world's most outstanding wines.
Rieslings are grown all over the world with great success -- from Eroica Riesling of Chateau St. Michelle in Washington State to many different labels of the Clare Valley in Australia.
Alsatian Rieslings from the northeastern part of France are generally medium-bodied and very aromatic. One often finds combinations of aromas and flavors, such as stone fruits (apricots, peaches, etc.), flowers, honey and minerals.
2003 Pierre Sparr Riesling ($13.99). This wine has a very expressive nose that made us think of a honeyed apple-peach purée, along with aromas of fennel, pine, apricot, assorted spices and minerals. It is much drier on the palate than the aroma makes you think it will be.
2001 Lucien Albrecht Grand Cru Riesling ($14.99). This wine has classic Old World mineral aromas of slate stone as well as under ripe banana and citrus fruit, white pepper, licorice and anise. Tasting the wine reveals tart white grapefruit flavors with hints of lemon, orange and pineapple. This is wonderful wine.
2003 Domaine Marc Kreydenweiss Andlau Riesling ($22.99). The aroma gives off roasted apples, burned sugar and cauliflower. It's spritzy in your mouth, and tart, but very lean (not too fruity). It's a good wine to pair with food.
2002 Trimbach Riesling ($20.99). This wine has a delicate yet complex nose offering fennel, fresh pear, bay leaf and talcum powder, and the taste measures up to the aroma. It also has a creamy texture.
Frank Sutherland
The Tennessean Gannett News Service
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