1/28/09 Aging German Riesling

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. I was asked by a listener why I referenced keeping my German wines for so much longer than most of the other white wines in my collection. So I thought today we would answer that query. It is true, I do like to keep some white wines longer than others and yes I do pay attention to aging my German Riesling especially. But not all German Riesling is meant to age. For example the QbA and Kabinett grades are made in a style that is ready to drink upon release. At most they may last four to five years. Spatlese too can be enjoyable when young but I prefer it when it is between five and ten years old. The Auslese wines will go longer as well generally reaching their peak when they are from seven to ten years, and if properly stored will continue to be good for years longer. You may ne familiar with wine from the Rheingau and they often take a few years to reach their full potential while Rheinhessen or Pfalz tend to mature a bit faster. Riesling from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer are quite delicate and they may not age as quite as long. But they are delicious in their delicacy. If you decide you want to try aging some German Riesling do a little homework and definitely ask your wine merchant for recommendations. You don't want to be disappointed five years from now. Remember to send your wine questions to linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.