Washington Riesling - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Oct 7th 2010 @ 6:00PM

Cupcake Vineyards Riesling Photo: Cupcake Vineyards

When you think of Riesling, is sweet the first thing to come to mind? If so, you've probably been drinking the German variety. Sample a Riesling from Washington state for a wine that's less sweet and more honeyed and balanced, with fresh tropical-fruit notes. These West Coast stunners are best drunk young, ideally within two years of their release.

Asian food makes the best match for a Washington Riesling -- sushi, Thai curries or pan-fried/baked fish dressed with a sweet and spicy sauce. For Italian food, stick to a creamy sauce ladled over pasta -- the Riesling's crispness plays well with the sauce's richness.

Here are five stellar Washington Rieslings we highly recommend.

2008 Z'Ivo Riesling, Columbia Valley ($20)
Among this group of five, the Z'lvo had the most texture, its complex layers of fruit and honey overlapping into a palate that's ripe with peach and nectarine, and bursting with floral aromas.

2008 Hogue Cellars Riesling, Columbia Valley ($10)
Very balanced, this Riesling has fruit notes of apricot and tangerine that intensify into a smooth, lingering finish that's coated with honey.

2008 King Estate Winery "next" Riesling, Horse Heaven Hills ($12)
With a pleasant minerality, this Riesling has excellent (round) mouth feel, with notes of guava and orange, and an effervescent, honeyed-nectarine flavor. The finish is crisp, clean and succinct and fragrant of orange blossom.

2009 Cupcake Vineyards Riesling, Columbia Valley ($12)
A dry, crisp Riesling with a lingering finish, preceded by pineapple, grapefruit and nectarine notes -- this is one sweet indulgence.

2009 Seven Hills Winery Riesling, Columbia Valley ($14)
Notes of honeyed tropical fruits and honeysuckle, as well as juicy green apples, make their way to a clean finish in this off-dry wine.

Filed Under: Drinks
Tags: riesling, washington state wineries, WashingtonStateWineries, wine of the week, WineOfTheWeek