Riesling is something of an odd duck. Most people believe it’s always made in a sweet style, and certainly when made in California typically it does have a sweeter profile. But Riesling can range from bone dry to luxurious dessert wine For those unfamiliar with German Riesling, the vast majority have a light smell and taste of what is called petrol, yes, as in gasoline. But you’re not drinking gasoline. The weather, soil and the clones of Riesling that Germany typically uses offer these aromatics and it’s quite common and actually something very unique to the Riesling grape. If you want to know Riesling, you go back to its history, and Germany is where Riesling has flourished for centuries. The Art of Earth does an admirable job. This 2022 is not sweet; there are mineral and wet stone flavors, peach and lime notes and the unmistakable petrol. If a dry (not sweet) Riesling is of interest, this is a good place to start. ORIGIN: Rheinhessen, Germany. ALCOHOL: 11.5%
