Riesling wines are dynamic, food-favoring wines that continue to gain fans on an international level. There is great variety and expression within this single grape varietal, adding to the interest and versatility of this noble white wine grape.
1. Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling 2006 (Alsace, France) $23
The Zind-Humbrecht Riesling from the Alsace region of France is a dynamite wine all the way around. It starts with fresh, sliced pineapple on the nose and moves on to grapefruit in the glass. This is a crisp wine with delicious acidity and a vibrant, full flavor finish.
2. J.J. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Auslese 2007 (Germany) $49
If you are looking for the quintessential German Riesling from the Mosel region, this has got to be it. This is an ultra concentrated wine with the complexity, elegance and manueverability to handle virtually any palate with strength of varietal character and definitive structure.
3. Gunderloch Jean-Baptiste Riesling 2007 (Germany) $18
The 2007 Gunderloch "Jean-Baptiste" Riesling is a lovely example of a Rhine Riesling at the Kabinett classification level. You can expect an off-dry, highly aromatic white Riesling wine with pronounced peach flavors, ripe apple laced with lively citrus fruit and a distinct minerality. The careful attention to the balance of acidity and residual sugar is apparent and serves to make this wine an extremely versatile white wine for a variety of foods. This is the perfect picnic wine. Give it a go with chicken salad, sandwiches, Thai food, shellfish and most seafood finds.
4. Hugel Riesling 2007 (Alsace, France) $22
An Alsatian Riesling that brings mouth-watering acidity mixed with lively stone and citrus fruit to the table. A fantastic Riesling find for a myriad of challenging pairing options - consider giving it a go with Asian Fusion inspired fare.
5. Schafer Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese 2007 (Germany) $33
This stunning Riesling is from Germany's Nahe region. The nose highlights lemon lime aroma with a subtle, almost spicy edge. The palate profile yields a rich textured, well-balanced medley of citrus and tropical fruit harnessed with a clean, crisp acidity.
6. Domaine Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbés (Alsace, France) $19
A classic Alsatian Riesling that has characteristic canary yellow color components in the glass and bright aromatics on the nose. Lemon citrus dominates the palate and gives way to clean, crisp acidity - a vibrant Riesling wine.
7. Tesch Riesling Spatlese, Langenlonsheimer Konigsschild, 2005 (Germany) $24
The 2005 Tesch Riesling Spatlese from Germany's Nahe region, is a remarkable Riesling on several fronts. The flavor profile brings forth crisp, tart apple, juicy pear, some citrus overtones, and a touch of honey all supported by solid minerality. This is a medium-bodied, dry white wine with pronounced fresh fruit flavor that is perfectly accented by the wine's innate acidity. This well handled acidity brings both vibrancy and balance to the palate, making this a top pick wine for handling the cornucopia of flavors
8. Weingut Zilliken Butterfly Riesling 2007 (Germany) $22
This medium-dry German Riesling offers up delicious stone fruit, juicy apple and a touch of citrus all wrapped up in amazing acidity. A lovely ambassador for German Riesling wines, and a perfect pairing partner for roasted poultry or Asian fare.
9. Trimbach Riesling 2006 (Alsace, France) $19
This Trimbach Riesling falls under the traditional Alsatian Riesling category, bringing ample aromatics, clean flavor profiles and optimal balance between residual sugar levels and acidity. The palate is founded largely on a citrusy base and boasts prominent peach influences. Consider serving with pork tenderloin.
10. Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling 2007 (WA) $19
From a dynamite vintage this is the delicious off-dry Riesling offspring born of a partnership between two prominent Riesling estates, Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington and Germany's Dr. Loosen from the famed Mosel wine growing region. Guaranteed to be a palate pleaser from start to finish, the Eroica Riesling brings beautiful balance, unmatched elegance and food-friendly acidity to every sip.










