Today, let us talk about Riesling, which some expert call the king (!) of white wines.
Originating from the Rhine Valley and sporting a long lineage with the first written references to it dating back to 1435 as well as capable of reflecting the character of its terroir’s soil and climate, Riesling won the affection it enjoys thanks to its vibrant acidity, expressive aroma and diversity of the white wines that range from dry to dessert ones.
This late-ripening sort with small yellow-green berries thrives in cold climes and is susceptible to noble rot. It has citrus, green apple and floral flavor notes, often with a mineral accent to them. Not infrequently, aged wines acquire the characteristic ‘petrol notes’, which is the effect afforded by TDN (1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene, a natural chemical compound contained in the wine). Riesling can be cellared for decades thanks to its high acidity!
Rieslings from the hillsides of Mosel and Rheingau in Germany vary from dry to sweet ones and bear lime, peach, shale and ‘petrol’ overtones. They are light and acidic.
The Alsatian Riesling is predominantly dry, full-bodied and with peach and apricot notes as well as steely overtones; it comes without the ‘petrol notes’, though.
Austria is the home of dry Riesling with the strict minerality and restrained fruity (apple and citrus) nuances.
As for the Eden Valley in Australia, they make dry Riesling with a limey, spicy taste there; it is daring but holds fewer nuances.
What about our parts, then? In Azerbaijan, Riesling is cultivated in a warmer climate on the clayey soils of the Savalan Valley, so it is more tender and less acidic; the warm climate lets the Azerbaijani Riesling ripen sooner than in Europe whereas the clayey soil mitigates the acidity.
The aromatic profile is different, too: there are the citrus, apricot, peach and honey overtones as well as the minerality which stays in place. The taste is as rounded as it is exotic. This is a unique ‘jazzy’ Riesling improvisation that would earn a nod and a smile from Vagif Mustafazade and nothing less! Pour yourself a glass of SAVALAN Riesling, put on a jazz mugham number and enjoy!
SAVALAN ASPI Winery, which has been cultivating Riesling since the 2000s, creates an aged and dry wine that is less acute but richer than the classical sort. SAVALAN Riesling is a wonderful aperitif! Drink it cooled and may cool be with you! Besides, this wine is a fabulous companion to the Azerbaijani cuisine dishes. It will go with fish and light green salads harmoniously. It should be served in white wine glasses at 10-12°C so that the bouquet of aromas can unfold fully.
SAVALAN Riesling is a confluence of two worlds, a fusion of cultures in one glass; it is a journey from the Rhine to the Caspian. Before you unfold a new chapter in the long and glorious history of this noble beverage. It is not repetitive in the least; rather, it is a reinterpretation of the past. SAVALAN Riesling proves that the classics can find a new voice, a just as elegant and refined one albeit with unique overtones and the warm Azerbaijani accent. This wine rightfully takes its special spot amongst Rieslings. Thus, the story of Riesling continues almost six centuries after the wine was first mentioned at all.
Uncork a bottle of SAVALAN Riesling, pour the wine into a fragile glass, breathe in the aroma and take the first sip… The best way to become acquainted with a wine is to taste it, after all!
Best regards,
Fuad Seyidaliyev and Arif Rahimov
Founders and Co-owners of SAVALAN-ASPI Winery