This week’s high/low weekend is a comparison of the new world and old world styles of wine. Australia is representing the new world with a Riesling from Edna Valley. I bet a few of you didn’t even know that Australia made Rieslings (you are not alone). But, they certainly do and if you enjoy Riesling with petrol characteristics, then you should really try Australia. The old world is being represented by Spain with a traditional, classic Rioja based on the Tempranillo grape. Both of these wines are great food pairing wines.
2010 PEWSEY VALE, Dry Riesling, Edna Valley Australia
This weekend’s low (price only) wine was day bright, straw (yellow) in the core with yellow and green reflections. On the nose, just ripe fruit notes of white peach, golden delicious apple, green pear, lime and Meyer lemon and non-fruit notes of lime blossom, chamomile tea, a bit of petrol and stony minerality. Bone dry wine with high acidity, moderate body (12.5% abv), no oak, with a medium intensity of the same flavors as on the palate (confirming the aromas of citrus but with the citrus dominant and stony minerals). Moderate finish.
If you are into Rieslings, this Dry Aussie Riesling is an amazing value for about $14 and pairs nicely with veal or chicken piccata.
LOPEZ de HEREDIA,Vina Tondonia Reserva 2000, Rioja, Spain
The high wine (price) was day bright, ruby in the core, fading to a garnet rim. On the nose, dried fruit notes of strawberry, raspberry, red currant and candied cranberries with non-fruit notes of anise, licorice, vanilla, dried mushroom, dried tobacco, cigar box, dried rose petals, and sweet and sour, which suggests a significant time in oak and showing secondary aromas. Nice turned earth character and deliberate oxidation on this wine. On the palate, the dried red fruits are play second fiddle to the secondary aromas. Dry wine with moderate plus acidity, soft moderate tannins, moderate body (12.5% abv) and an incredibly long finish. This wine is ready to drink but can drink for much longer if you decide to hold onto it.
This wine is truly what you would call a food wine and it is a beautiful accompaniment to cheese, charcuterie and maybe even a pork chop.
* photo courtesy of drinkriesling.com
