The Rieslaner
Grape
A white grape variety, a cross between Riesling and Silvaner, developed in Germany. It is used to produce both dry and sweet wines, known for their aromatic intensity, high acidity, and flavors of tropical fruits and floral notes.
Rieslaner
Grape History
Rieslaner is a white wine grape variety that was created in 1921 by Dr. August Ziegler at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute in Germany. It is a crossing of Riesling and Sylvaner grapes, hence the name "Rieslaner." This unique grape variety combines the aromatic characteristics of Riesling with the hardiness and disease resistance of Sylvaner, resulting in a versatile and flavorful grape with great potential for winemaking.
Rieslaner is known for its high acidity, floral and fruity aromas, and a full-bodied, rich texture. It is often used to produce sweet dessert wines, particularly in Germany where it is predominantly grown. The grape's natural sugars and acidity make it well-suited for late harvest and noble rot-affected wines, such as Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
Rieslaner is primarily grown in the German wine regions of Franken and the Rheingau, where it thrives in the cool climate and slate-rich soils. The grape has also gained popularity in other wine regions around the world, including Austria, Hungary, and the United States.
In terms of wine styles, Rieslaner is commonly used to produce varietal wines, showcasing its unique characteristics and flavors. It is also frequently blended with other grape varieties to add complexity and balance to the final wine.
The projected future of Rieslaner is promising, as it continues to gain recognition for its quality and ability to produce exceptional wines. Despite its relatively small plantings compared to other grape varieties, Rieslaner is becoming increasingly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors looking for something different and distinctive.
As consumer interest in unique and lesser-known grape varieties grows, Rieslaner has the potential to become a star player in the world of fine wines. Its ability to produce high-quality dessert wines, along with its versatility in different winemaking styles, make Rieslaner a grape variety worth watching in the coming years.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel