03/20/07 Email Question

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today I want to answer a question from the email. Recently a listener wrote "you mentioned all of the interest in growing Riesling in the state of Washington, how will these wines compare to German Riesling?" The question of comparing wines made from the same varietals from differing places around the world is an interesting one. In the case of Riesling made in Germany as compared to those made in Washington, I think I can safely say the point is not to imitate Germany, but to create wines of distinction from this area uniquely appropriate for growing high quality Riesling grapes. If the famed German winemaker Ernst Loosen wanted to make the same Riesling wines he was making in Germany he could have stayed there rather than make the trek to the Pacific Northwest. The entire system of categorizing and creating the differing styles of German Riesling is unique to Germany and the wines that are and will be created in Washington will vary in styles and emphasize qualities based upon the vision of those groups devoted to a resurgence of interest in creating world class Rieslings from the state of Washington. And I for one have no doubt they will most likely be drunk in chorus with wines from Germany. Right now, I recommend you follow the Riesling being made in Washington by Long Shadows. Now there is a nice example of what can be accomplished when the grape is the focus. 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.