Kim Cabral
By The Glass
What could be better on a hot summer day than a crisp and clean, white Riesling?
This month, we are featuring Rieslings in our stores. Rieslings are the perfect way to beat the summertime heat. Riesling grapes originated in the Rhine region of Germany. The grape is said to be one of the fastest growing and most versatile varietals today. This may be why it is becoming so popular.
Rieslings pair well with anything from the simplest of dishes to many ethnic and traditional foods, such as spicy Thai, hot Mexican, or delicious Mediterranean.
Today, I'm also featuring a very intense raspberry wine that is from a B.C. winery called LuLu Island, made from 100 per cent Fraser Valley raspberries for a nice summer delight.
LOIMER LENZ
2008 RIESLING (+508796)
AUSTRIA
Winemaker Fred Loimer, along with 25 wine growers from theKamptal region of Austria, known for the sun drenched terraces and perfect mesoclimate, have paired together to produce this crisp, clean Riesling. Kamptal is named after the river Kamp.
Loimer Lenz Riesling confirms why Austriais quickly becomingan important region in Europe for wine production.Lenz Riesling is very pale yellow but don't let the colour fool you, the acidity is definitely there with a bite. Aromas of fresh summer air fillyour glass, while flavours of grapefruit and peach satisfy your taste buds. The acidity lingers right throughto the finish. Try serving this with light dishes such as fish orgreen salad. $21.99
HATTENHEIMER SCHUTZENHAUS
BALTHASAR RESS
2007 RIESLING KABINETT (+50856)
GERMANY
In the late 1800s, Balthasar Ress set up a restaurant with its own wine business on the main street of the village of Hattenheim in the Rheingau. Over time, the family acquired additional property and expanded the estate to include a luxury hotel - Hotel Kronenschlsschen. Today, the fifth generation of this wine-producing family has perfected its winemaking and this Riesling is a perfect example.
Wine Spectator has given this Riesling an "Outstanding" ratingfor nine of the last 10 years. On the cap, you will notice an illustration of a stylized eagle with grapes on its chest, which signifies that this is one of Germany's finest quality wines and alsointernationally recognized. The term Kabinett, also on the label, lets you know that the grapes were picked when they were fully ripened, which brings to this Riesling a hint of sweetness. You won't be disappointed with its aromas of crisp apples and ripened peaches. You can enjoy the same on the palate with a touch of acidity balanced with the sweetness. This would pair perfectly with a crisp green saladand garlic toast. $21.99
LULU ISLAND
RASPBERRY (+291419)
B.C.
Every year, British Columbia really has more and more things to be proud of when it comes to thefruit wines we produce. We have the Okanagan to the south and now Richmond is following. Did you know that the Fraser Valley is the third largest area to produce raspberries and blueberries in the world?
You may remember LuLu Island Winery as Blossom Winery. Located in Richmond, which neighbours Vancouver, the owners decided to undergo a transformation and change its name to what the island of Richmond used to be called - LuLu Island. This wine is known for its quality fruit wines and icewines. This raspberry wine is very full-bodied and rich. Once the bottle is opened, you feel like you are in the middle of a ripe raspberry patch. Flavours and aromas of raspberryjust keep on coming bring on the raspberries, I say. Try serving this wine slightly chilled on its own, or pour a bit over some ice cream and savour the flavours to the end. $15.95
Bracketed numbers indicate the B.C. liquor store codes.
Kim Cabral is a product consultant at the Pine Centre Signature Liquor Store in Prince George.
