What does wine have to do with paint samples???
I look at that answer as the Rule of Threes. It seems to take me at least three paint samples (sometimes five) to find the right color. And I like to taste wine in groups of three. Three of the same varietals. Three of the same wines from different years. Three of the same varietals from different regions. Five samples could always be better, but if I’m tasting alone or with my husband, I am trying to make sure they can be finished before they go bad!
My example today is three different Rieslings.
Dr. Loosen 2014 Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett. This Riesling comes from the Mosel River Valley in Germany. Germany is cold!! Growing wine in optimum vineyards on the hillsides of the Mosel River means the grapes have a little temperature protection from their proximity to the river and receive heat from reflected sunlight, which promotes ripening. The dark blue slate also absorbs the sun’s heat much like black asphalt in the south! Vineyard location along the Mosel is EVERYTHING in determining the quality of wine.
This wine is labeled Kabinett. This is a measure of ripening. These cool climate grapes are picked relatively early in the harvest season and have a lower alcohol level of 8 -9%. Unless the label tells you the wine is Trocken (dry) or Halbtrocken (off dry) OR has a level of sweet to dryness scale on the back label, it can be a little bit of a guess. In this case, the wine is on the semi-sweet side. ($16-18)
Kung Fu Girl 2014 Washington State Riesling A great value wine from Ancient Lakes in Washington State. These grapes grow on steep cliffs on the Columbia river. Beautiful flavors of lime, peaches and minerality and an alcohol level of 12%. This medium bodied wine is a house favorite at our home for our frequent dinners at our favorite BYOB Asian restaurants, Vieng Thai on Long Point, and Vinh Hoa for seafood on Bellaire. Off dry, this wine has the perfect amount of residual sugar to tame the hot peppers that we can’t help but loving in our spicy dishes. ($12-13)
Trimbach 2012 Riesling Alsace, France This family winery has been engaged in making wine since 1626. Alsace is sunny! It receives very little rainfall throughout the year. Its climate gives the grapes plenty of time to ripen and you can feel the ripeness in the fuller body of the wine. (12.5% alcohol) This is the driest of the three wines and it is truly dry, but with pleasant fruit flavors. This is dry enough that I would not eat it with hot and spicy foods. This would be excellent with sushi, shellfish, grilled fish or a summer day. ($18-$22)
For students of wine, Trimbach Riesling is a CLASSIC! It is fun to compare it to other producers and to Riesling from other regions. All of these wines should be available at your larger liquor/wine retailers and some at well stocked wine departments at your grocery store.
Enjoy,
CabRene´
EveryDayCabRene 