by Linda Argue
Rieslings have grown up, evolved into wines that are fun and food friendly. While Germany continues to produce some of the best rieslings look to Oregon, Washington, California and Australia for great wines at great values.
The best of these wines are driven by fruit, floral flavors with a crisp acidity on the finish to keep the wines from being cloying. Think apple, pears and tropical flavors.
While traditionally, riesling have been sweet and shunned by the true wine loves, recently Australia has produced dryer styled rieslings. which are more food friendly. Consider Jacobs Creek, and Lindemans. These wines are inexpensive, yet they will pair well with food. Perfect for summer fare.
For those hot days on the deck, when something cold and sweet sounds tempting why not try a wine from the west coast. These wines can range from very sweet to semi-dry. Ask your favorite liquor store clerk to recommend a wine in the range you like. From sweetest, Columbia Winery or Fetzer to semi-dry, Kendall Jackson or Beringer these wines are sure to be a big hit at any out door events.
For those very special occasions try a dessert wine. These wines are very sweet, very concentrated and very elegant. Serve them ice cold with light desserts such as fresh fruit.
German rieslings are fun to try and many of the best are produced here. They range from semi-dry to very sweet and many come in the blue bottles which are traditional. The blue color comes from cobalt in the sand from which the bottles are made. These labels will be difficult to read as they will be rated by labels which will say Auslese, Spatlese, Kabinett etc. A good wine clerk will be able to tell you the difference in each of the wines.
On the deck, a picnic or elegant dinner, these wines will provide great taste without breaking the bank. Have fun and enjoy!
Learn more about this author, Linda Argue.
