Riesling -- A Misunderstood Wine

Photo by Christine Isakzhanova on Unsplash

Riesling is a wine that is most famously produced in Germany where nearly half the world's Riesling grapes are grown. Other great producers of Riesling include the Alsace region of France, Australia, Austria, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. Riesling that is grown in cooler climate regions result in highly aromatic wines with great acidity and big, bright fruit flavors. But mention a Riesling and most often you'll hear "Oh, that's a sweet wine."

One of the reasons that Riesling is considered "a sweet wine" is because it has flavors of sweet fruits - green apple, apricot, nectarine, peach, pear, and pineapple. Flavors that our brain associates with sweetness. Another reason for Riesling's sweet flavors is the fact that it is rarely aged in oak. Not having the rich, toasty and butter flavors of oak lets Riesling's bright sweet fruit flavors shine though. Also, Riesling is rarely blended with other grapes. So, what you get are the pure sweet fruit flavors of the Riesling grape. And the final reason that Riesling is considered sweet is that many Rieslings are, well, intentionally produced to be sweet.

But not all Rieslings are sweet. They can span the range from dry to sweet. The Alsace region of France is known for its dry Riesling. And warmer climates, such as California, Oregon and Washington, produce dry Rieslings that typically have more muted fruit flavors, are more medium to full-bodied.

So, yes, Riesling can be a bit confusing. But, not all Rieslings are "sweet." The key is to look at the wine’s total Residual Sugar (RS). If you find one with a RS level less than 17 g/L, it is considered dry (i.e., not sweet). If you find one with a RS level greater than 17 g/L, it will indeed be sweet.

Behind the Cork™ - Atlantic Fresh: White Wines of Uruguay

When Europeans settled along the coast of Uruguay, many brought their local varieties with them—from Galicia, Liguria, Southern France. Among the reds, Tannat consistently delivered exceptional fruit and became Uruguay’s flagship. As for whites, the field continues to widen. Albariño shows its talents along the far coast, but a host of others thrive as well, reflecting their proximity to the Atlantic through their distinct varietal lens. These include Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and even Riesling.

Uruguay has a varied terroir with 200+ soil types and is the only South American terroir whose climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay’s wine industry consists primarily of small, family-run wineries, many now in their fourth generation. 

Uruguay is home to a proud winemaking tradition in this unusual location, and a far cry from the desert- and Andes-dominated landscapes associated with most vineyard regions in the South America continent. Here, the dominant factor is the Atlantic Ocean, whose winds, storms, and tides ensure a cool climate. The result is a set of singular and fascinating terroirs as yet largely unfamiliar to international palates.

Each of these wines represent stories to taste. So, we’ll explore the Atlantic fresh white wines of Uruguay in upcoming Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week blogs. Stay tuned! Cheers!

Ever Wonder? Does Ireland Produce Wines?

Photo by Yan Ming on Unsplash

Ireland does produce wine, but not in the traditional sense that many might expect from countries with extensive vineyards.

The Irish climate, characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall, is not particularly conducive to growing the traditional grape varieties used for wine production. However, there are a few vineyards in Ireland that have emerged in recent years, primarily in regions like the southern counties of Cork and Waterford.

One notable winery in Ireland is Kinsale Mead Co., located in County Cork. While primarily focused on mead—a honey-based alcoholic beverage—they also experiment with grape wines. Kinsale Mead Co. has gained attention for its innovative approach, combining traditional methods with local ingredients. They produce a variety of meads, from dry to sweet, and often incorporate local herbs and spices, showcasing the flavors of the region.

Another interesting vineyard is Longueville House, which has its own small vineyard where they produce limited quantities of wine, primarily focusing on fruit wines. They emphasize sustainable practices and local produce, offering a unique experience in the Irish wine landscape.

Both of these producers reflect the growing interest in winemaking in Ireland, even if on a smaller scale!

Irish wineries often focus on cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and some are exploring hybrid varieties that are more resilient to the Irish climate. While the scale of production is small and the volume limited, Irish wines have been gaining recognition for their quality.

The burgeoning wine scene in Ireland is complemented by the country's rich culinary heritage, making wine an intriguing part of the broader food landscape. As the industry continues to grow, it may further establish Ireland as a niche producer of quality wines.

Behind the Cork™ - Sunstone Winery Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Sunstone Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

When the Rice family moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 52-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would be stewards to the first organic vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County. 

Sunstone has been committed to growing wine grapes without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides since the initial planting in 1990.

Named after the exposed sun-dappled shale and stones of the vineyard estate, Sunstone winery is located on the California Central Coast, just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a pale gold in color with a medium-low nose of pear and apple. On the palate, this light-bodied wine is dry (14.5% RS) with medium acidity and flavors of pear and apple. Some research shows that Sunstone puts their Sauvignon Blanc through Malolactic Conversion which converts the sharper malic acid (found in green apples) into softer, smoother, creamy lactic acid (found in milk). This would explain the soft and smooth mouthfeel of this Sauvignon Blanc. It finishes nicely with just a bit of tartness.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sunstone Winery is a terrific wine that is available at a great price. This make it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

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The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

It's International Pinotage Day!

Join in celebrating International Pinotage Day today, October 12th. This special day honors the remarkable Pinotage grape, a unique variety that originates from South Africa. Pinotage was created by a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

Known for its bold and expressive character, Pinotage offers a fascinating blend of flavors that can range from rich dark fruits to smoky undertones.

Discover the versatility of this extraordinary wine. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red to complement your grilled meats or a lighter option to pair with roasted vegetables, Pinotage has something for every palate. This is the perfect opportunity to explore both classic and modern interpretations of Pinotage from acclaimed wineries around the world.

Make International Pinotage Day a day of discovery and enjoyment. Raise a glass, share in the experience, and appreciate the rich heritage of Pinotage. Enjoy the journey, and let every pour of this unique wine remind you of the passion and tradition that goes into every bottle.

Cheers to International Pinotage Day!