Sweet Rieslings: Misunderstood

Dry Rieslings from Germany’s Rheingau region are in great demand among that country’s consumers, said Laurie Daniel in the San Jose Mercury News. Situated in the Rhine River Valley, the Rheingau is tiny compared to many of Germany’s great wine-growing areas. But it’s among the most famous. Its sweet Rieslings are often suspected of being merely cloying, like some from California, but the sweetness is “perfectly balanced by high acidity.” That makes Rheingau Rieslings “perfect for drinking in warmer weather.” Our favorites:

2007 Johannishof ‘V’ Riesling Kabinett ($20) Fragrant, very lightly sweet, with orange zest notes.

2007 Old Vine Riesling ($22) Minerally, fairly dry, with lime flavors.

2007 Riesling Spatlese ‘Winkeler Jesuitengarten’ ($36) Rich and sweet; spiced apple flavors.