Dry German Riesling from Dr. Loosen: ‘Red Slate’ Riesling Mosel Saar Ruwer Estate 2010

In the United States, many Rieslings – especially those from Germany – are expected to be sweet or at least off-dry, because over many years this sweeter style has proved popular to the American Palate.   However, despite the popularity of sweeter Riesling styles here, there are a great many dry Riesling wines made in Germany that are reasonably priced and available here.   The Dr. Loosen : ‘Red Slate’ Riesling hails from the heart of the famous Mosel Region, not far from the borders with Luxemburg and Belgium.   Planted on treacherously steep south-facing hillsides, the vines are afforded long days of sun exposure which assists in ripening the grapes in what would otherwise be a cool and difficult climate.   But aided by the increased sun exposure and a general warming trend in temperatures, Dr. Loosen finds that grapes can stay longer on the vine than in the past and this allows the grapes greater sugar levels (which aids fermentation) and greater flavor complexity in the end product.   Additionally, the iron-rich, red slate soils in which the vines are planted (which also give the wine its name ‘Red Slate’) are said to add a dense, muscular minerality to the finished wine.    The 2010 Red Slate Riesling shows a slightly richer color compared to other dry Rieslings I have tried – actually more reminiscent of the sweeter variety, but color is not always an indicator of flavor.   The nose is subdued, but included some light floral notes and pineapple hints.   Flavors are smooth in arrival and centered around a blending of lime, baked apple, peach and mineral with a slight hint of raspberry in a package that is lighter than the color suggests and includes a very slight spritziness at first sip, ending with a spicy finish that endures – very refreshing indeed.   This Riesling is not as mouth-puckering dry as some examples, but it is clearly dry and has more body than many of the type, which could make this a great accompaniment to meaty fish (a pan seared Arctic Char for instance) or even Chinese takeout – I intend to try these pairings as soon as possible!  (Dr Loosen ‘Red Slate’ Riesling Mosel Saar Ruwer Estate 2010 PLCB 39086 $13.99)