For the month of May, I would like to introduce you to Riesling, one of the world’s greatest white wine grapes. Native to Germany and with a history dating back more than two thousand years, Riesling wines are often consumed while young, when they make a fruity and aromatic wine which may have a bouquet of green apples, grapefruit, peach, gooseberry, honey, rose blossom or cut green grass, and usually a crisp taste due to the high acidity. However, the Riesling grape’s ability to retain its acidity while achieving high sugar levels is what creates wines with considerable aging potential.

Riesling is vinified in an array of styles ranging from dry to very sweet. In Germany, they are usually categorised in ascending order of sweetness as Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese. Riesling can also be found in California (in dry, semi-sweet and “Trockenbeerenauslese style), Eden and Clare valley of Australia (very popular now for its high quality and crisp taste), and Alsace of France (probably most wine connoisseurs’ first bottle of Riesling).

Next time, bring a bottle or two of semi-sweet or dry Riesling when you’re invited to a Chinese dinner. Serve the wine chilled, and I am sure you will be the most popular person at the party. As you celebrate Mother’s Day this month, don’t forget that Riesling matches perfectly with Sunday Brunch, picnics, and almost all dishes from Chinese cuisine. Here are some suggestions:

Dr. Loosen Riesling, Germany – Universal women’s wine and is great for beginner’s level wine drinking mothers (semi sweet taste, light in alcohol).

Pikes, Traditional Riesling, Australia – good quality Riesling from Australia. For intermediate level wine drinkers.

Domaine Paul Blanck Riesling AOP, France – classic Riesling from Alsace, France. For advanced level wine drinkers.

About Joey Wu:
Joey Wu is the Hotel Manager of The St. Regis Tianjin and is an avid wine lover. As Hotel Manager, Joey is directly responsible for the hotel’s daily management, including budgeting and financial management, planning, organising and directing all hotel services, including front office, food & beverage and housekeeping. With more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has gained valuable experience in various aspects of food and beverage, including wine, and hopes to increase the knowledge of wines in Tianjin city. Joey Wu is a contributing columnist about wine notes & recommendations for Business Tianjin readers.