Riesling Rising – Best Bottles Under $20

August 19, 2016 By Stacy Slinkard Leave a Comment

There’s just something happy about Riesling wine. Maybe it’s that you literally have to smile when you say, “Reece-ling” or perhaps it’s because Riesling remains one of the most truly versatile, food-friendly, palate fresh wines on the market, either way we’ve rounded up some of our recent favorites in the world of bright-eyed bottles of snappy, happy Riesling. These wines find firm footing from Elkton, Oregon to Alsace, France and several sweet spots in between.

Bradley Vineyards

Bradley Vineyards Off-dry Riesling 2015 (OR) $16

Family-owned and family-run, Bradley Vineyards’ roots run deep in Elkton, Oregon, which is situated about an hour south of Eugene along the Umpqua River. Cultivating close to 30 acres with a mix of grapes in the ground, the 2015 Off-dry Riesling shows a heady mix of white flowers and exotic stone fruit on the nose. Promising to bring lip-smacking acidity that is generously balanced by a delicious dose of residual sugar, this bottle is a fantastic ambassador for Oregon Riesling.

Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2015 (Australia) $16

Pewsey Vale Winery

This is a classic, dry style Riesling representative from Australia’s cool climate of Eden Valley, tucked into the the famed Barossa Valley of South Australia. Expect this single vineyard bottle to show ripe citrus, green apple, honeysuckle and a touch of minerality on the nose. Bright acidity, medium-bodied and fully capable of making the most of all sorts of Asian fusion themes.

Hugel Winery

Hugel Riesling 2014 (France) $16

Alsace and aromatics go hand in hand, and this particular bone dry, Alsatian Riesling is no exception. Fresh and cheery, the 2014 Hugel Riesling releases an engaging bouquet of Granny Smith apple, nectarine nuances, and a touch of lemon verbena on the nose. Bright, white and ready to rumble with savvy seafood picks, Hugel is a go-to name for easy to find, well-distributed Alasatian wines.

Kung Fu Girl 2014 (WA) $10

Charles Smith Wines

Plenty of peppy peach and lemon-lime citrus carry the inviting aromatic introduction of the popular Kung Fu Girl Riesling. Leaning towards the slightly sweeter side of the Riesling spectrum (but not in the unctuous, syrupy danger zone), this Washington born 100% Riesling keeps things fresh with zippy acidity and forward fruit character. Easy to find, easy to drink and easy on the wallet – that’s Kung Fu for you.

Dr. Loosen

Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Estate Kabinett 2014 (Germany) $18

Well-known for producing time-honored Mosel Riesling, Dr. Loosen’s Blue Slate Estate Kabinett shines the spotlight on the middle Mosel villages of Bernkastel, Graach and Wehlen. Named for the characteristic blue Devonian slate soils of the area, this 2014 Riesling does a remarkable job reflecting the mineral-driven soil and style while carrying considerable peach, green apple, and candied florals with tangy acidity, plenty of sweet and an engaging, lingering finish. Always a fresh pick for spicy Asian fare.

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New Zealand Riesling Rocks the Under $20 Bin

October 1, 2015 By Stacy Slinkard Leave a Comment

Doctor’s Riesling

New Zealand, known and loved for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, now casts its vision for Kiwi Riesling. While the 2013 Doctor’s Riesling ($15) is by no means the first NZ Riesling off the boat; it is, however, one of the first to make you sit up and take notice (and not just because of the swell price). Finding it’s mantra on the same playing field as iconic Kabinett German Riesling in terms of style and structure, this sweet treat tops out at 8.5% alcohol by volume, and has the acid to back it up.

Expect exotic aromatics that pull towards stone fruit and warm honey. Key lime pie rises to meet the tangy, tart appeal of fresh sliced apples with a dash of apricot jam and a swirl of honey on the palate, followed by mouth-watering acidity and an integrated, fresh-faced finish. Lighter bodied, playful and ultra food-friendly, this is a go-to wine for upcoming holiday gatherings.

Pairing Picks: What doesn’t it partner well with? Give this a go with spicy Asian fare, honey-baked ham, roasted turkey, smoked pork or shellfish finds.

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Jasper Sisco Clara Estelle Riesling (Oregon) $18

December 27, 2014 By Clive Pursehouse Leave a Comment

While Oregon has gained international attention for its Pinot Noir, and rightfully so, there are other cool climate varieties that many wineries are finding success with in the Willamette Valley. Most notable among them are Chardonnay and Riesling. Smaller producers like Jasper Sisco abound in the Willamette Valley and nearby Portland making small lots of wine very thoughtfully.

2013 Jasper Sisco Clara Estelle Riesling, Cherry Grove Vineyard A wine as pretty and distinguished as the woman who graces its label. Beautiful aromatics of wet stone, coriander and lime zest. The wine’s palate is zippy and alive, flavors of wet stone and grape fruit, and thirst slaking acidity. One of my favorite Northwest wines I’ve had all year. In Cherry Grove winemaker Justin Russell is rubbing elbows with some of the Valley’s heavy hitters in terms of sourcing fruit from there. “Cherry Grove Vineyard is in Gaston, Oregon. The others who source from it are Antica Terra, Boedecker, Andrew Rich, as well as Love and Squalor. $18

Pairing Picks: Spicy food loves Riesling so think both Thai and Indian cuisine favorites, particularly curries.

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