Riesling

Question 1

What are the characteristics of the riesling grape?

Answer 1

1. Aromatic grape. Pronounced fruity and floral aromas and high acidity
2. Just ripe = green fruit and citrus.
   Extra ripe = stone fruit, tropical fruit, and sometimes dried fruit
3. Range from dry to sweet and light to full in body

Question 2

Why is riesling suitable for late-harvesting?

Answer 2

Because it retains acidity and builds up sugar and flavor slowly

Question 3

What is Süssreserve?

Answer 3

Sterile grape juice sometimes added to produce off-dry and medium styles of riesling

Question 4

How is riesling fermented and why?

Answer 4

In inert vessels (ex. Stainless steel) to preserve floral aromas.

Question 5

Why is good riesling able to age in the bottle?

Answer 5

High acidity preserves freshness

Question 6

Which tertiary flavors can riesling develop?

Answer 6

Honey and petrol

Question 7

What are the three ways to produce sweet riesling?

Answer 7

1. Late harvest
2. Freezing on the vine
3. Botrytis

Question 8

What are the three main German regions that produce riesling?

Answer 8

1. Mosel
2. Rheingau
3. Pfalz

Question 9

Describe the Mosel region and its wines.

Answer 9

1. Northerly latitude
2. Best vineyards on south/southeast facing slopes
3. Stony soils by the Mosel River
4. Mosel river reflects sunlight and helps ripening
5. Wines are lighter in body than southern regions, medium sweetness

Question 10

Describe the region of Rheingau and its wines.

Answer 10

1. Situated on steep, south facing slopes
2. North bank of Rhine River
3. Wines are drier in style than Mosel and have more body.

Question 11

Describe the Pfalz region and its wines.

Answer 11

1. Towards the french border
2. Protected by mountains to the west
3. Dry and sunny climate with long growing season
4. Climatically considered an extension of Alsace and wines are similar in style
5. Dry and medium body riesling