The versatility of Riesling

Jason Clarke, Contributor

Summertime is fast approaching and the sweltering heat and blazing sun are already here. In tune with the weather, I generally make the transition from reds to crisp cold white wines to combat the heat. Rieslings are great wines for summer, with such versatility that it is easy to enjoy. Rieslings are originally from the Rhine in Germany, although they have become quite popular and produced in various wine regions. What I like most is its range from dry to sweet and light-bodied to full-bodied.

Last week, I spoke about wine aromas, and Rieslings have an absolutely beautiful nose and is considered one of the most aromatic wine.

As it ages, the smell of the Riesling becomes more robust, but typically, you will experience rich aromas of apples, peaches, pears, citrus and tropical fruits, which make it wonderfully delicious.

Pairings

Because Rieslings can range from dry to sweet, they make for exceptional pairings with a variety of dishes. I personally have a liking for Rieslings paired with some good old-fashion Indian curry. Now, that's a match made in heaven! Rieslings (particularly dry Rieslings) are an ideal match for our spicy Jamaican food, and truly heighten the flavours of your dish. They also pair exceptionally well with the flavours of Asian cuisine. The sweeter they are, the better they complement desserts and fruit. Cheesecake, anyone?

Suggestions

In browsing the shelves, there are a few Rieslings I came across which I found to be absolutely delicious. A great mix of acidity and sweetness is the Sutter Home Riesling. It is not as sweet as a Moscato, which has become ever more popular with Jamaicans, but certainly quite good for persons like myself who are not very fond of very sweet wines. This makes for a perfect wine to sip on a very hot day.

During a recent visit from a colleague of mine from California, he introduced me to Wente Riesling. This is very different from others I have experienced - semi-sweet and just the way I like it. Like all white wines, this should be served cold in order to truly appreciate it.

So venture outside the box and try something different with a bottle of Riesling.

I am not an expert, merely a wine enthusiast and business development consultant, sharing my thoughts and experiences. Feel free to share your own experiences at wineenthusiastja@gmail.com.