Riesling Suggestions

[Tom 1960]

Just to follow up on another thread,I just purchased a bottle this past weekend having experimented with the reds only up to this point. I bought a bottle of Columbia Winery Cellarmasters Riesling that went for 7.99. I have to say it was pretty good. Anyone have any opinions on this? Other suggestions or brands? Thanks

[Innkeeper]

Tom, despite the fact that your corner store might have a dearth of riesling on the shelf, there is a whole world out there. Germany is where riesling is still king, but Austria and the Alsace also produce wonderful ones. In addition to the Columbia you enjoyed, there are many other fine examples from the American Left Coast as well as Australia.

However, you don't want to forget your own back yard. The Finger Lakes Region produces the best American Riesling. They come in both dry and off-dry versions. Believe your Columbia was off-dry. If it doesn't say "dry" on the label, it isn't. Some brands to look for include: Glenora, Heron Hill, Salmon Run, and Prejean.

[zenda2]

Another riesling I always recommend is Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Dry Riesling (NV). Available almost everywhere, costs ~$9 locally, it's a blend of CA, WA, and German juice, crisp, wonderful with food.

[wondersofwine]

I like the Columbia Winery Cellarmasters Riesling and have compared it to a German Mosel Riesling at a tasting. (I don't care for Columbia Crest Riesling which is a different company altogether). For German Rieslings I suggest that you look for a readily available wine such as Piesporter Michelsberg or Wehlenuhr Sonnenuhr and try different levels of dry/sweet (Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese) to see what appeals to you. You might also compare regions with a Riesling from the Mosel area and one from Rheinpfalz or Rheinhessen.

[Thomas]

Not that I am partial, but I believe WA Rieslings, in general, are rather bland--the ones I have tasted. IK is correct: Finger Lakes Rieslings are the absolute best produced in America, and I will not debate it. So, if you are in Kingston, NY you must try the local brands.

[Tom 1960]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Actually for the time being I think I'll lean towards the off dry versions. Great to hear that NY State produces some very fine wines. I got the wife who usually prefers the white zin to experiment the riesling and I have her hooked.

[This message has been edited by Tom 1960 (edited 11-14-2001).]