A Horizontal Tasting of Germany’s Riesling

Germany’s noble white grape variety, Riesling, is a versatile performer capable of producing lusciously sweet wines as well as distinguished dry wines. Given that Riesling produces a wine high in acidity, German Rieslings are often balanced with a dusting of natural sweetness. In the warmer climate of Alsace there is enough ripeness to offset the acidity, allowing the wine to have balance even when completely dry. Even very light German Rieslings have good aging potential because of this pronounced acidity. After many years their tart citric fruit evolves into a spellbinding pungency reminiscent of the heady fumes of gasoline.

The warm, dry weather at harvest gave the 2009 vintage exceptional balance of fruit and minerality. Though the yields are down, this vintage is on par with the exceptional offerings from 2001 and 2005 – and even perhaps older notable vintages 1953 and 1969.

2009 Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling –

 

This ’09 is very fresh with a lively acidity. It has a profuse bouquet of graphite with notes of cherry and apple on the palate. The substantial finish smacks of cream and is lightly sweet. This is a prime candidate for aging as it is quite concentrated – almost brash.

 

-92 points

 

2009 Selbach-Oster Riesling Qualitätswein Mosel –

 

This is another 2009 Riesling with an intense aroma of minerals. It has elegant and refined notes of peach and baked apricot with hints of citrus. The finish is also creamy but shows a moderate amount of spice. A great buy at $25.

 

-93 points

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