El Dorado County, a tragically obscure grape growing region east of Sacramento, is not an area that I would dub “Riesling Country.” Known generally as a grape that thrives in cooler climate areas (think Germany, Alsace in northern France, southern Australia, Washington State), Riesling ... Read More »
Search Results for "riesling"
Wine review: North by Northwest 2010 Riesling Horse Heaven Hills
I admire when a winery steps outside the annoying conservative boundaries of the wine industry. Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon fame (an interview with him), The Three Thieves and their ground-breaking Bandit wine in a small box and chalk up another win to the folks at Oregon’s King Estate (reviews ... Read More »
Finger Lakes Rieslings: The new wine frontier?
My first life experiences with wine were in the upper reaches of New York State, during college. I lived on campus my senior year at Colgate University (my alma mater), living in the French-speaking-only (yea, right) La Maison Franςaise in an attempt to better my oral skills for culinary school the ... Read More »
Wine review: Carmel Road 2009 Riesling Monterey and Carmel Road 2009 Pinot Gris Monterey
I wished I lived on Carmel Road, ’cause maybe I could stop by any random Tuesday night and swap some tomatoes for wine. Yes, I would gladly give up homegrown tomatoes — perhaps my favorite thing on earth besides wine — for their wine. Based in cool climate Monterey, Carmel Road winery ... Read More »
Wine reviews: A to Z 2007 Riesling Oregon and A to Z 2008 Pinot Noir Oregon
A to Z, a winery whose clever slogan is “aristocratic wines at democratic prices”, is a partnership of some of the best talent in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. If you’ve tried (and enjoyed) wines from Penner Ash, Rex Hill or Chehelem, you’ll love what’s in bottles ... Read More »
Wine reviews: Villa Maria 2009 Cellar Selection Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
A few months ago, Villa Maria Estate got a Vitamin B-12 shot in their marketing. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates — the sales and marketing powerhouse behind Ste. Michelle Winery, Columbia Crest and Erath — began importing and marketing New Zealand’s “biggest boutique winery.” ... Read More »
Wine reviews: Hogue Cellars 2008 Genesis Riesling and 2007 Meritage
On a recent trip to Hogue Cellars in Eastern Washington State, I tasted pretty much every wine they make. The 2008 Genesis Riesling — they have three tiers of wines: Hogue, Hogue Genesis, Hogue Terroir — impressed me like the cured salmon and crème fraiche they paired it with. But when ... Read More »
Cheese and wine pairing: Rogue Caveman Blue and riesling
Pacific Northwest wine, meet your neighbor cheese, Rogue Caveman Blue. I’m a huge fan of riesling and blue cheese — the fruit notes and the crispy-ness in the wine pair well with this delicious American blue cheese. It won “Best of Show” at the last American Cheese Society ... Read More »
Wine review: Buried Cane 2007 Riesling Washington
So this might be one of the times you can accuse riesling of being sweet. Not cloying and sugary, but sweet like being kissed lightly on the cheek and offering you a gourmet meal. The good kind of sweet. Buried Cane, an affordable line of wines from Washington State, is virtually unknown but it’s ... Read More »
Wine review: Pacific Rim Dry Riesling
This is a project that Randall Grahm consults on and the quality reflects his hand. The label says “dry” but it’s not really dry. That doesn’t mean it’s not super yummy. Pineapple, red apple and a slight whiff of “petrol” or diesel. Give into your inner sweet cravings with this
... Read More »Riesling revival: This is one versatile grape
People “say” red wines match better with fall weather, but that’s bunk. Riesling, the adaptable, comforting father of white wines, can be all weather, all things to all people, anywhere and everywhere. And it’s finally experiencing a well-deserved renaissance across the country ... Read More »
Firestone 2007 Riesling Central Coast
This winery makes so many different kinds of wines, it’s like they’re manic. But they do make a tasty riesling. Soft and elegant with ripe white peaches, pineapple, caramel, diesel fuel and a tiny bit of effervescence that makes it interesting. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=3 out of 10
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