California Riesling
California Riesling is made in completely dry, off dry, and very sweet styles. Unfortunately, the grape does not have mainstream appeal amongst California wine consumers or producers.
Because it is a thin skinned, delicate grape, cool climates have the best track record and show the most future promise. Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley lead the way. It also does well in cooler parts of Monterey County, Santa Barbara County and the Sierra Foothills.
This varietal also makes very impressive sweet wines due to the balance between fresh, fruity characteristics and sugar. Many are made with botrytis cinerea, and have honey and exotic fruit flavors. I have tried a number of great sweet versions of this varietal from the Anderson Valley.
