3.8 Riesling Flashcards
Is Riesling a neutral or an aromatic grape?
Aromatic
What is the aromatic intensity of Riesling?
What aromas/flavors does it exhibit?
Pronounced fruity and floral aromas
The specific flavors vary depending on climate/level of ripeness:
Just ripe: green fruit (apple, pear) and citrus (lime, lemon) and blossom.
Extra ripe: stone fruit (apricot, peach), tropical (pineapple, mango) and occasionally even dried fruit
Is Riesling naturally high or low in acid?
High
What styles is Riesling produced in?
Dry
Off-dry
Medium sweet
Sweet
Light bodied-full bodied
Is Riesling suitable for production of late-harvest wines? Botrytized wines?
Yes and yes!
Name 3 methods of concentrating grape sugars
Botrytis
Late-harvesting
Freezing the grapes on the vine
How are off-dry and medium sweet styles of Riesling made?
By interrupting fermentation and removing the yeast or by the addition of Sussreserve (unfermented grape juice).
Why is Riesling suitable for late-harvest wines (when there are appropriate dry, sunny Fall seasons)
Because Riesling retains acidity and flavors and sugar levels increase slowly
How are the sweetest styles of Riesling made?
By using extra-ripe or Botrytized grapes
Is quality Riesling age-worthy?
YES! for decades.
Is Riesling generally fermented/stored/matured in inert vessels or oak?
Inert vessels (preserves floral aromas)
What aromas/flavors does Riesling develop with age?
Honey and petrol (vaseline)
What balances the high sugar levels in sweet Riesling?
Acid
How many wine regions (anbaugebiete) are there in Germany?
13
What’s Germany’s climate type?
Cool
True or false: Some German vineyards are north of 50 degree latitude (remember the latitudinal “sweet spot” for ripening wine grapes successfully is 30-50 degrees)
True
Name 3 regions in Germany known for making great Riesling.
Mosel
Rheingau
Pfalz
Which wine region in Germany produces some of the lightest-bodied Rieslings and why?
Mosel
Its Northern latitude - the grapes struggle to ripen.
Describe the character of Mosel Rieslings
Usually- Off -dry to Medium Sweet
Lime and floral aromas/flavors
Pronounced aromas
Steely minerality
“Purity” of fruit
H acid
What factors help Riesling ripen in the Mosel Valley?
Aspect: Steep south or southwest facing slopes (the southern aspect reflects sunlight from the river)
Stony soils