Shades of Blue Riesling ($11.99)
Shades of Blue Riesling is a white wine made by a family-owned winery in Germany. The grapes grow on steep river slopes where the soil is composed of slate and limestone.
Because the climate in this region is cool, the grapes stay on the vines longer and ripen slowly before harvest. This extended growing season allows the fruit to develop while maintaining its natural acidity level.
After harvest, the winemakers press the grapes and transfer the juice into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation. These metal tanks are neutral and do not add any external flavors to the wine, which keeps the natural characteristics of the fruit intact.
It should be noted that the fermentation process is stopped early to leave a portion of the natural grape sugars in the final product. This technique results in a wine with 9.5% alcohol content (relatively low) and a semi-dry style (i.e., some residual sugar).
Shades of Blue Riesling is a medium gold in color with aromas of green apple, citrus and honey. On the palate, this medium-light bodied wine hasd bright acidity that is off-set by the sweetness. Flavors include green apple and citrus. It finishes sweet and tart.
Shades of Blue Riesling is wonderfully refreshing and goes with well with white meats, seafood and cheese. Or, all by itself! It’s a really nice wine at a tremendous price. That makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Media Sample Provided by Shades Wines via Kobrand Wine and Spirits