INTERNATIONAL RIESLING DAY

INTERNATIONAL RIESLING DAY

Grab your glasses--it’s time for a global birthday bash! March 13th marks International Riesling Day, an annual tribute to the world’s most versatile and aromatic white wine. Why today? We’re celebrating the grape’s 'birth certificate'—the first documented mention of Riesling in a German cellar log on March 13, 1435. Whether you prefer it bone-dry or honey-sweet, let’s raise a glass to nearly 600 years of this liquid gold!

#RieslingBirthday

Riesling is a white grape variety originating from the Rhine region of Germany. It's known for being very aromatic, with hints of flowers, honey, and sometimes petrol. Yes, petrol. Interestingly, many wine enthusiasts view that petrol smell as a hallmark of a high-quality, mature Riesling. Who knew?

Many people avoid Riesling because they think it’s all sugar. If you're one of those people who thinks Riesling is just 'sugar water,' think again! While it can be sweet, this grape is a shapeshifter. The secret is in the balance of high acidity, which makes even the sweeter versions taste refreshing rather than syrupy.

If you prefer a fruit flavor over a dry flavor, select a "young" Rieslings (1-3 years old) or bottles from cooler regions of production. Look for the Finger Lakes or the Mosel on the label to help you choose. Serving the wine well-chilled also helps keep the bolder, "stinkier" aromas in the background and brings the fruit flavor to the forefront.

From the crisp, mineral-heavy dry wines of the Clare Valley to the lush, dessert styles of the Mosel, there is a Riesling for every palate. In fact, Riesling comes in a variety of flavor options ranging from very dry (Trocken), sparking (Sekt), and very sweet (Eiswein).

HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL RIESLING DAY

Wineries across the globe take International Riesling Day serious! Because it marks the "birthday" of the grape, many celebrations focus on education and proving that Riesling is the most food-friendly wine on the planet. If you are unable to attend an official Riesling birthday bash, here are a few simple ideas to help you celebrate:

  1. Host a Riesling Tasting. Buy three bottles showcasing the three "types" of Riesling--a dry (Trocken), an mid-level dry (Kabinett), and a sweet (Spätlese). Have guests taste them in that order to see how the sugar changes the flavor profile.

  2. You may not realize this, but Riesling is the undisputed champion of pairing with spicy Asian cuisines! The low alcohol and high acidity "cut" through the heat. We want to challenge you to give this a try and let us know how it goes. Upload your video or photos and tag @NatDayCal on Instagram.

  3. Since Riesling is traditionally served in a narrower, taller glass to direct the aromas toward the nose, we recommend trying the wine in a mug or regular wine glass to see if there is a difference in taste.

  4. Visit your favorite restaurant and order a flight of Riesling with your dinner. This is allow you to taste different types of Riesling, but also give you the opportunity to choose which pairs best with your entre.

  5. Raise your glass at precisely 14:35 (a nod to the year 1435) on social media and join experts and wineries around the globe to create a "global wave" of Riesling appreciation. Don't forget to use the hashtag #RieslingBirthday.

CREATOR OF INTERNATIONAL RIESLING DAY

We were unable to find the creator of International Riesling Day. We suspect the day has been celebrated since 1435, when the first documented mention of Riesling in a German cellar was logged on March 13.