European Riesling
Germany is the home of Riesling wine production. There are at least 60 distinct clones currently being grown in the country. Most are resilient to cold weather.
The leanest Riesling is from the Rheingau and Nahe regions. Mosul-Saar-Ruwer have a bit more weight, and many can age for years and develop complexity. The soils of Mosul have a significant amount of slate, imparting minerality. During the 19th century, the best of these Rieslings were the most expensive white wines in the world.
It is occasionally used to make sparkling wine in Germany called Sekt. Some excellent botrytis wines are also available.
The grape also thrives in Alsace where it is grown on sunny hillsides and in clay -calcareous soils. Alsatian Riesling is generally a bit weightier on the palate than German versions. The hilly Haut-Rin in the southern part of the region makes particularly good wines. The grape is grown throughout Eastern Europe as well.
