It’s the height of summer and it’s hot outside. Humid too. This kind of weather was made for riesling. Crisp, light, cooling, with gentle stone fruit flavors and soft floral aromas. It’s like summer and riesling were made for each other.
It amazes me how frequently I still encounter people with misconceptions about riesling. Far too often, I still hear people say, “I don’t like riesling, it’s too sweet.” If that’s what you think, you’re drinking the wrong kind of riesling.
When it comes to riesling, there are a number of different kinds. Some sweeter, some bone dry, some in between. Some that age really well and some that are best consumed young. And all of these styles can be very good when made well.
I tend to favor riesling from Germany, Austria and Alsace, France over other regions, but that’s not to say good riesling can’t be produced elsewhere. But those from these regions tend to be made well quite consistently. And of those regions, Germany tends to be my “go to” riesling region, although I’ve never actually gone there in person.
This one from J Bäumer is produced in the Rhein, a sub-region in Germany where much riesling is produced. This designation isn’t as specific as some of the premium region appellations in Germany, but that also tends to mean greater value in the price of the wine. And the value of this one is exceptional in my opinion.
Floral, apple, honey and melon aromas give this wine a very pleasant nose. The palate is slightly sweet, offering ripe apple, peach, melon and mango flavors with good acidity and a pleasant mouth feel. It finishes with lingering ripe peach and apple flavors. It’s pure deliciousness.
Wine: J. Bäumer Rhein Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2013
Alcohol: 9%
Rating: 90
Price: $10.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
