Riedel Sommeliers Riesling Grand Cru / Zinfandel

Stuart Pigott, an English wine journalist with a preference for Riesling, realized a dream. The very best Rieslings of the 1990 vintage (exclusively late harvest dry) were carefully selected and collected for a tour.

After the white grape variety Chardonnay dominated the taste profile through worldwide plantings, Riesling was to demonstrate its qualities to journalists in Paris, London, and New York. The appropriate glass was also necessary for this.

Riedel sent proposals from the existing range. The choice fell on a wine glass developed for Sangiovese (Chianti). Pigott and his winemakers had defined this shape as ideal in tastings from various glasses. They were particularly impressed by the variety-typical, monotonous aroma intensity (peach) that Rieslings of the late harvest degree show in this glass.

Due to high extract values and alcohol (13 degrees and more), the typical strong acidity is embedded in the fruit. The egg-shaped form shows the acidity in such a way that race and mineral spice are preserved. The wine loses width and power (high alcohol content) and thus gains elegance. The complexity of the Riesling is harmoniously perceived on the palate.

Recommended for: Alsace Grand Cru, Jurancon sec, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling (late harvest), Sémillon, Smaragd (late harvest dry), Vouvray