De Wetshof Riesling 2020, a fine expression

De Wetshof Riesling 2020

Jancis Robinson, the well-known British Wine Writer, in her book Jancis Robinson’s Wine-Tasting Workshop talks unequivocally about Riesling and refers to it as the greatest white wine grape. We are fortunate to have Riesling growing here in South Africa.

Riesling ripening on the vine

The De Wetshof Riesling 2020 is a fine example of the variety. Somehow the grape loves living in the Robertson Wine Appellation. A single block of vineyard planted on a west facing steep slope in 2001, the rocky soils mainly mountain gravel, with an excellent clay component which retains moisture, is its home.

Peter Winemaker and Johann de Wet CEO

The grapes are hand harvested early in the morning to capture aromas and flavours. They go to the cellar where they are destalked and crushed. They enter the press and the juice captured is allowed to settle overnight in cooled stainless-steel tanks. The next day the clear juice is racked off and fermentation takes place. After fermentation the wine rests on its fine lees to add more flavour. It is then prepared for bottling.

Pour

From a brown Alsatian Flute closed with a screwcap. The label is elegant and simple. In the glass the wine is a gem bright lemony straw in colour with lime green flashes. The aromas are of fresh sliced white peaches, grapefruit, powdery terpenes, and flint. The palate has a brilliant acidity line running through until into the long aftertaste. For me, it makes the wine, just so exciting. There is an undertow of spice and a touch of minerality. It really is a spectacular wine.

The Alsatian Onion Tart

Pair

The De Wetshof Riesling 2020 is a perfect food wine. My favourite is The Alsatian Onion Tart. Elizabeth David’s recipe in her French Country Cooking has the finest recipe. It includes Gruyere cheese, one of my favourites. This is a perfect example, to which she adds bacon, from The Guardian Food Writer Felicity Cloake – Click HERE.