No, seriously. Stick with me on this.
The “Noble” grapes are the 6 grape varieties known for producing dependably high-quality wine, both in very specific regions but also in different climates around the globe. In the white wines they would be Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. For reds they are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
You’re probably saying to yourself, “But, Paul, you said six varieties of grapes and there were FIVE members of the Breakfast Club!” Very true.
That right there is Cabernet Sauvignon, the Principal. This one believes it’s the boss, and often proves itself as such with some of the world’s best red wines. But a “Cab snob” would be making a mistake to think the other wines don’t have anything to offer.
Next we have Merlot, aka The Criminal. It’s dark, it’s kind of moody on the outside, but secretly pairs well with the sweeter things.
Then there’s Chardonnay, or The Athlete. These wines are tough, ready to show their potential to the world. But there’s a depth and “sensitivity” to a good Chardonnay some people aren’t expecting.
Pinot Noir is definitely The Basketcase. Quirky and strange as a grape, as a wine it transforms to show off layers of flavor and aroma that can be really surprising.
Next is Sauvignon Blanc, The Brain. Sometimes when they’re young these wines can be tart or almost sour in flavor and can turn some people off. But let them mature just a little bit and you get smells and flavors you won’t find in any other varieties.
And, finally, we have the star of today’s show, Riesling! The Princess of wines, they have characteristics that help them appeal to even the staunchest of “I don’t drink wine”ers. Sugary floral smells give them a gentle quality, and crisp fruity flavors have been known to remind people of hard ciders. But all that sweetness can’t mask the complexity of a really good Riesling.
This first one, from Loosen Bros. (pronounced LOH-zen) in Germany, was an absolute steal. And after I researched the vineyard I have even more respect for them as winemakers. Ernst Loosen took over the vineyard in 1988 and set about making their production as sustainable as possible. Water conservation, organic methods of pest control, energy efficiency, the whole works. And there was this great quote from him in Wine Spectator — “When I drink a Riesling … I want to smell the blue slate soil that nourishes the fruit. I want to taste the depth of the old vines. I want to experience the character of the vintage. I want authenticity; without it, a wine is simply another beverage.”
Well said, sir.
This was honestly one of the best Rieslings I’ve had in a long time. Most places seem like they’re offering it in the $10-$20 range, and it’s a steal anywhere close to that price. There was a sweetness to it that gave it a cooling quality, and aromas of pear and apricot and honey that were very refreshing. I loved the extremely smooth finish and the tartness of all the flavors working together.
Food Pairing Suggestion: Whole Wheat Pumpkin Ravioli with a Sage and Parmesan Cheese Sauce
The Poet’s Leap winery is owned and operated by Armin Diel, who built himself a reputation in Europe as one of the world’s greatest makers of Riesling before coming to the Columbia Valley in Washington State to continue making them there.
This is a truly outstanding white wine. Though slightly more expensive than the previous wine, it was still worth every penny. Impressively well-balanced, it hovers right on the edge so it’s never easy to tell if you’re tasting more sweetness or more tartness in the orange and honey flavors. Aromas of white flowers and a crystal clean finish round out a great Riesling experience.
Food Pairing Suggestion: Spicy Miso Soup with Tofu (the spicier, the better … this wine can handle it)
Someday I might get to the rest of the “Breakfast Club” in this analogy, but for now there are two “Princess” wines I thoroughly enjoyed and cannot recommend enough.
“We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that’s all.”
Pages, Pixels, Grapes and Grooves 