The Riesling grape varietal originates in the Rhine region of Germany and is considered one of the top three white grape varietals. It is an aromatic grape, high in acidity and is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Germany’s flagship grape, Riesling produces elegant wines which are the most long-lived of white grape varieties.

Riesling Grape

Moselland (in the Mosel region of Germany) is a cooperative of wine growers that got it start many years ago. Today they produce a variety of exceptional Rieslings including everything from dry Rieslings to organic Riesling. My first introduction to Moselland was the Landmark Series (Hollywood). It was one of the most refreshing white wines I’d tasted in a long time. On the nose was the fragrance of a ripe green apple along with a hint of peach and a slight bit of honey. The taste of sweet pear and a hint of pineapple consumes your tongue while the slightly acidic finish caresses your throat. This is definitely a delightful wine to have on a warm summer day.

I was given the Landmark Series as a gift and when it was gone I went in search of finding more. However, the day I was looking for it I couldn’t find it but what I did find was another Rielsing by the same producer. It was the Moselland ArsVitis Riesling. I purchased a couple of bottles and couldn’t wait to get them chilled and ready for tasting. After getting the bottle nice and chilled I opened it hoping to recapture the elegance I’d found with the Landmark Series. Again, the bouquet was of fresh fruit. However, on the palate lemon and peach flavors were experienced. Now I must say I found ArsVitis refreshing as well but I am more partial to the Landmark Series.

One other spectacular thing you should know about these Rieslings is that the bottles are absolutely beautiful. You see the winegrower Heinz Ames is also an artist who actually paints watercolors with wine. He uses Riesling to paint beautiful scenes of the Mosel Valley that are found in the wine bottles themselves. The bottles are so beautiful that you almost don’t want to drink the wine. In the ArsVitis collection there are 15 editions to choose from.

So if you are looking for a nice Riesling think Moselland and give it a try.