09 Sep Reliable Riesling – 2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards
Riesling.
It’s misunderstood, under valued and under distributed.
All Rieslings are sweet, right?
Wrong.
Riesling can be bone dry.
Riesling is just a cheap-and-cheerful white.
Not so.
The elixir of German monarchy for centuries,
top-quality Riesling is highly coveted.
It can mature and improve in the bottle for 100 years or more.
And while Riesling has a robust retail presence globally,
on most U.S. shelves, it barely shows up.
It’s Wine Thursday!
Each week, we highlight a good wine
at a good price that’s easy to find.
This Thursday, we’re focusing on a Riesling
that shoots down some of those Riesling myths.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
is tucked in the hills just south of the state capital.
As with many other Oregon so-called “cool climate” producers,
WVV’s mainstays are, predictably, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
But their Riesling should not be overlooked.
As with most young Rieslings, the 2019
is very much on the fruity side.
Apple, peach and pear flavors are at the forefront.
But the sweetness is balanced with robust acidity
and a good dose of minerality.
Served well chilled, this Riesling is hard to resist.
Wondering what wine to pair with a spicy Thai meal?
This is it.
Willamette Valley Vineyard’s 2019 Riesling is easy to find
and a very good bargain.
Total Wine carries it for $9.89.
The price at Costco is $10.49. It’s at Fred Meyer for $11.99.
Other retail doors: Safeway – $12.49. QFC – $13.99. Target – $12.49.
You can order it from Empire Wine for $12.49
Napa Cabs has it for $12.99
Or you can order it from the winery
where they’ve just lowered the price to $10.50
https://www.wvv.com/Shop-Wines/Willamette-Valley-Vineyards/White-and-Rose