Travels in the Mosel Valley : Looking for a deeper understanding of Riesling

Whenever I think of Germany's beautiful Mosel Valley it inspires me to seek a deeper understanding of Riesling. Mosel Valley, one of 13 German wine regions, is fifth in size, and third largest in terms of wine production. The valley's continental climate makes it ideal for growing Riesling, with over 60% of Mosel Valley vineyards devoted to its production. Spring 2018 I went to the Mosel Valley to participate in a #Winelover Riesling Marathon where I was introduced to a wide range of Riesling styles. Riesling is often misunderstood as a wine however, hopefully after reading my post you might understand this beautiful wine a bit more. Wine travelers to the Mosel soon discover, that it is not just about tasting wine, but it is also about getting a sense of place, the people, and the stories behind the wines, which motivates a deeper understanding. 

Springtime in the Mosel © Spaswinefood

I remember May 2018 when we met at Staffelter Hof in Kröv, our group included #winelovers from Germany, Greece, France, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States. Over a Riesling Marathon weekend our #winelover group participated in the Mythos Mosel, an annual wine tasting event celebrating Mosel Riesling. The 2018 Mythos Mosel was held May 26-27 along the middle part of the Mosel. There were thirty locations, which hosted 120 wineries from other parts of the region.

Understanding Riesling

Riesling, one of the top three white wines in the world, originated in the Rhine region. It is widely planted in the Mosel, Rheingau, Nahe, and Pfalz wine regions. Besides Germany the the French region of Alsace is well known for its Riesling. It is also grown in Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, northern Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, China, Ukraine, and the United States (Washington, California, Michigan and New York). While I have enjoyed Riesling from many places there is nothing like participating a Riesling Marathon in Germany's Mosel Valley.

Staffelter Hof, Sket Brut Riesling 2015 © Spaswinefood

Riesling Wine Labels

Riesling wines are made in dry, semisweet, sweet and sparkling styles. While Riesling wines are often consumed young their high acidity and fruit flavors gives it aging potential. The average aging potential for Riesling is 5-15 years for dry, 10-20 years for semi-sweet, and 10-30+ years for sweet. A guide to the sweetness level of German Riesling is to look for the designation on the label. In order of dry to sweet, they are Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese. Many sweet Riesling wines use naturally frozen or botrytised grapes ( a ‘noble rot’ that sweetens and intensifies the wine’s flavors).

Weingut Marco Adamy Wine List © Spaswinefood

To make sense of a wine list, like the above, let's take a closer look at the categories used to describe Riesling and some suggestions for food pairings.  Besides pairing the right food with Riesling is key to appreciating this wine. Try pairing Riesling with fish, curries and all kinds of dishes, and you will not be disappointed.

Trocken Riesling © Spaswinefood

Trocken Rieslings (Dry) 

Labelled ‘Trocken’ these wines are citrus like, similar to Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

Food Pairings: they work exceptionally well with fish and ‘green’ flavors, such as lime or green chili – Thai green curries are a perfect match.

Weingut Schloss Lieser, Riesling Kabinett 2017 © Spaswinefood

Kabinett Rieslings Lightly Sweet (Dry to Off-Dry)

‘Kabinett’ on the label denotes a lightly sweet wine (off-dry Riesling). 

Food Pairings: Their low alcohol make them an ideal accompaniment for a light salad or something salty. It is great as a lunch wine, as it is light and easy to drink.

Spätlese Rieslings Medium Sweet (Sweet) 

‘Spätlese’ is a category used for the next sweetness level.

Food Pairings: This type of Riesling is great for spicy dishes, as it can stand up to the bold flavors produced by the heat. This means that curries are ideal because the extra sugar counters the heat, while the acidity provides a delicious balance. Look for one of the many Riesling sweet wine brands that have a refreshing acidity.

Auslese Riesling © Spaswinefood

Auslese Rieslings (Sweeter)

‘Auslese’ can appear on the labels of sweet wines, but not dessert wines. 

Food Pairings: Sweet Rieslings are ideal for dishes that combine sweet and savoury flavors. Honey roasted pork or chicken makes an ideal pairing for this wine.

Dessert Rieslings (Very Sweet & Super Sweet)

Dessert wines are labelled ‘Beerenauslese’ (Very Sweet) and ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’(Super Sweet). Often these wines can cost hundreds of dollars per bottle, but will age for up to 100 years or more.  

Food Pairings: Dessert Rieslings, particularly eisweins or icewines, are ideal for pairing with a fruity dessert. This wine is a good accompaniment with a cheese course.

Perhaps you still find the above list confusing. A simple tip is to check the alcohol level. Remember the higher the alcohol level the lower the sweetness. The flavor profile of German Rieslings, ranges from floral, honeysuckle, citrus, to tropical fruit flavors, to minerally, earth-driven flint flavors. As Riesling ages, the  wine can have notes of petrol or diesel. This is due a compound in the grape. Do not let this freak you out because the wine is insanely good, especially if the Riesling is aged properly. While this characteristic may not initially sound very appealing however, it is highly prized by conoisseurs.

More on Riesling

Let me share Dr. Loosen's and Ansgar Clüsserath's older vintage Rieslings. These older vintage Riesling wines were not 'Beerenauslese’ (Very Sweet) and ‘Trockenbeerenauslese' (Super Sweet) but Spätlese and Auslese wines.

Dr. Loosen, Ürziger Riesling Spätlese 1997 © Spaswinefood

Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath, Trittenheimer Apotheke, Riesling Auslese 1992

Weingut Ansgar Clüsserath, Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Auslese 1992 © Spaswinefood 

Trittenheimer Apotheke, Riesling Auslese 1992 © Spaswinefood 

Obviously, the vintage Riesling wines were quite a hit. For me, tasting older Riesling wines, and hanging out at Dr. Loosen was a pure delight. After all, we had come to explore Riesling at its best. We were not disappointed.

Time to Try Studert Prüm Riesling © Spaswinefood

For me, besides developing a deeper understanding of Riesling styles, visiting the Mosel Valley was a very special time for getting to know the local producers, and hanging out with #winelover friends.

#Winelovers Exploring the Mosel © Spaswinefood

Those Mosel Moments © Spaswinefood

Moreover, I so love being spoiled with aged Riesling wines from Weingut Staffelter Hof.

Time for Riesling, Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood

Weingut Staffelter Hof, Riesling 1976 © Spaswinefood

This 1976 Weingut Staffelter Hof Riesling was amazing.

Exploring Riesling wines made in dry, semisweet, sweet and sparkling styles is essential to understand the range of possibilities for this wine . Give Riesling a try, and you will soon discover some of the best wine that Germany has to offer.  Wine travelers know, it is not just about tasting wine, but it is also about getting that sense of place, the people, and the stories behind the wines, which further a deeper understanding. Discovering the exceptions lead to pushing boundaries of understanding a wine.  

 Welcome to Staffelter Hof © Spaswinefood

We so loved being spoiled at Staffelter Hof Guesthouse.

#Winelovers enjoying Mythos Mosel 2018 © Spaswinefood

I would like to thank Jan Klein for hosting and organizing the 2018 #winelover event. Key to our Mosel Valley vine-filled adventure, was a wonderful host, Jan Matthias Klein. Jan and his family at Weingut Staffelter Hof were our hosts for the 3rd annual #Winelover Riesling Marathon. Not only did we get to visit with Jan and his family at the winery, but also we stayed there. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Mosel Valley, Germany and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

Reflections on Travels in the Mosel Valley, Germany

May 2018

© Spaswinefood

Mosel Valley Travels © Spaswinefood

Mythos Mosel 2018 © Spaswinefood

Empty Wine Bottles, Weingut Dr. Melsheimer © Spaswinefood

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