Riesling is one of the fastest growing wine varietals on the current wine market. But why? Well, among wine lovers, chefs and sommeliers this varietal receives exceptional attention for its out-going, food-friendly character and zippy acidity. As palates prefer a wider variety of food flavors, wines that can fit a broader food-pairing bill will see an increase in demand. This is where Riesling rocks, it would be difficult to find a more accommodating wine to tackle the impressive spectrum of international food selections available on today's tables.
If you are looking for a no fail wine for a slew of appetizers, Riesling has got your covered. If you've got a spicy Thai dish - again its Riesling to bail you out, letting the slightly sweet tame the heat. Middle Eastern to Mexican cuisine, it's Riesling to the pairing rescue. Not to mention many desserts and salads, along with the pseudo-standard poultry and pork dishes, all natural partners for everything Riesling.
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Why is Riesling So Food-friendly?
One of Riesling's key pairing privileges comes via sheer variety. Today's wine shelves spotlight an impressive array of regional Rieslings, with a variety of sweet to dry options, light to full-bodied bottles and specific regional-based terroir influences. Rieslings are known for their remarkable balance between acidity and sugar. It's the acidity that allows it to encounter and woo a variety of difficult plate pairing partners. The acid allows the wine to handle hearty sauces, high-end meats and even lighter fare like appetizers while simultaneously off-setting the tangy flavors of ginger and lime in Asian fare. Riesling's innate fruit factor (apple, pear, citrus and tropical) and personal preferences for sweeter styles make this wine a natural for taming the heat of spicier food with a touch of palate sweet.
Refreshing Riesling
Riesling enjoys a reputation for being refreshing. With little to no oak influence, a reluctance to blend with other grape varieties and no malolactic fermentation messing with its expression, the grape itself is left to shine. Combine these flavor factors with the lighter-bodied profile, propensity to be chilled before serving, and often a touch of residual sugar and you've got a trifecta for showcasing an invigorating wine that promises to be both lively and fresh from start to finish.
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Riesling is a wine option that can handle a full spectrum of foodie favorites, from tangy vinaigrette dressings to full-flavored sauce laden entrees and spicy medleys. This is a "go to" white wine that will be able to handle most foods, most of the time.
- B.R.COHN 2013 Sonoma & Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon
