Attributes:

Karthauserhof

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

Riesling

750 ML

2006: WineSpectator Rating: 91

clean

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 93

racy

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 88

racy

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 88

citrus, orange, peach

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 87

bright

lime, smoke

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 80

peach

sweet

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 86

bright

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 90

tightly wound

mouthwatering, racy

lime, spicy

Food Matches:

(MOH zel zar ROO ver)—This dramatically beautiful region of western Germany produces exceptional white wines from the Riesling grape. Among the lightest in Germany, these wines usually contain less than 10% alcohol and they are generally delicate, fresh, and bursting with flavor. With its flowery tastes and aromas, Mosel Riesling is a great wine to drink in the spring. Look for the words “Erzeugerabfüllung” or Gutsabfüllung,” which indicate that the wine was estate bottled and not mass-produced.

(REESE ling)—a grape that comes mostly from the Mosel and Rheingau regions of Germany (where it is a noble variety), the Finger Lakes region of New York, and Alsace region of France, and Austria. Although often thought of as “sweet,” many Rieslings are quite dry. The word trocken on German bottles indicates dryness. The trademarks of Riesling are high acidity, low to medium alcohol levels, and aromas and flavors that range from fruity and flowery to mineral. Also called Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling.

Attributes:

Brancott Vineyards

Marlborough, Australia/New Zealand

Riesling

750 ML

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 86

soft, tart

Food Matches:

(REESE ling)—a grape that comes mostly from the Mosel and Rheingau regions of Germany (where it is a noble variety), the Finger Lakes region of New York, and Alsace region of France, and Austria. Although often thought of as “sweet,” many Rieslings are quite dry. The word trocken on German bottles indicates dryness. The trademarks of Riesling are high acidity, low to medium alcohol levels, and aromas and flavors that range from fruity and flowery to mineral. Also called Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling.

When the first growers planted grapes in Marlborough in the 1970s (there is evidence of plantings as early as 1870s), it is unlikely they would have foreseen the extent of the growth and fame that the region’s wine industry would achieve, based upon a single varietal called Sauvignon Blanc. The distinctive pungency and zest fruit flavours of the first Marlborough wines, in particular Sauvignon Blanc, captured the imagination of the country's winemakers as well as international wine commentators and consumers and sparked an unparalleled boom in vineyard development. Worldwide interest in Marlborough wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, has continued to fuel that regional wine boom.

Attributes:

Harveys

Jerez/Xérès/Sherry, Spain

Cream

1.5 L

NV: WineSpectator Rating: 87

medium-bodied

caramel, honey

NV: WineSpectator Rating: 85

complex

pleasant

caramel, nutty, raisin

sweet

NV: Tastings Rating: 86

bright, clean

deep, rich

flowers, spices

sweet

NV: WineSpectator Rating: 84

light

caramel

viscous

Food Matches:

Jerez is one of the oldest wine producing towns in Spain. Around 1490 trade had been established with the French and the British. The French and British adopted their own names for the wine which is why you will see all three names one a label of Xeres. (Jerez / Xerez /Sherry) The global positioning of the Jerez region plays a big part in regulating its climate. Like many semi-coastal regions, the ocean winds have a strong influence on the weather. In the 1800's, a vine disease called Phyloxerra destroyed many varieties that once grew in this region. Of the three grapes planted in Jerez today, Palimino accounts for 95 percent of the total vineyard area.