Riesling: What makes this German white wine grape so special?

The German Riesling celebrates its 587th birthday this Sunday.

Wine critic Natalie MacLean joined Bob Cowan on Morning Live to tell us what makes this white wine grape so iconic.

“It was first written about in 1435. Yet it’s irrepressibly young and vibrant, looking not a day older than 585,” she said in an interview Friday.

What makes German Riesling so special?

Riesling is a tough-skinned small berry that prefers the cool climate and soils of Germany.

“That’s why it’s planted on almost one quarter of all vineyards in the country and is considered the benchmark style for the grape around the world,” MacLean said.

There are 13 regions in Germany growing this grape, producing more than 50 per cent of the world’s Riesling. She said the Mosel and Rheingau regions have been making this wine the longest.

Winemakers also plant the vines on an angle to soak up warmth from the light reflected from the various waterways.

An ancient river carved out the Mosel Valley over millions of years, depositing minerals and slate, a rock that fractures easily so water runs down to the river.

Without much water, the vines are challenged to survive and their roots have to dig down through the rock to find sustenance.

“Riesling thrives on suffering. I like that in a plant and in a person. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” MacLean said.

If you’re looking to try a great German Riesling, MacLean recommended Dr. L Riesling 2020, Bend In The River Riesling, Moselland Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Riesling and Relax Riesling.