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Riesling is considered to be one of the top three white wine varieties in the world. In 2004 it was estimated that Riesling was the world's 20th most grown variety overall. Riesling grapes are noble and capable of producing a variety of extraordinary white wine styles. Riesling grapes are most commonly grown in colder regions and climates. Riesling grapes are thick-skinned, greenish-yellow in color and ripen late in the season. Riesling require special handling during harvesting to avoid crushing the grape or bruising the skin. Bruised and broken skins leak tannins into the juice causing the balance of the wine to be thrown off from the typical Riesling flavors and aromas. Riesling wines are elegant and light and known for its fruitiness. Because of its balance of sugar and acidity Riesling wines are versatile for pairing with food including challenging flavors and spices. Riesling wines are very accommodating and pair well with white fish, pork, poultry, shellfish, desserts, salads, spicy foods, Chinese food, Indian food, Japanese food, Thai food, and various cheeses.
Riesling wines are produced in a wide range of styles from dry to sweet as well as light to full-bodied variations. The alcohol content in a Riesling wine indicates whether the wine is sweet or dry. Riesling wines with less than 10% of alcohol content are noticeable sweet, while Riesling wines between 10-12% alcohol content are off-dry, and Riesling wines with 12.5% or more alcohol content are dry. Riesling wines are intended to be drunk young, however if a Riesling is good enough and stored properly for it can be aged for decades. The common aging periods for the various styles of Rieslings wines are 5-15 years for dry wine, 10-20 years for semi-sweet wine, and 10-30+ years for sweet wines. Riesling wines are very flavorful and aromatic featuring bouquets / flavors of wood, rose, petal, violet, apple, pear, peach, and apricot. Riesling wines tend to exhibit flavors from the soil including flint, steel, and gunmetal. Riesling wines that are aged acquire bouquet / flavor hints of terpene, diesel, and petroleum / kerosene.
