Ernest Burn Riesling Alsace
In 1934, the Clos St. Imer vineyard of Alsace France became the property of Ernest Burn, after having been destroyed by wars and disease and abandoned for years. The Burn family had been making and bottling wine for nearly three centuries, and Ernest had made it his goal to return the land to its former glory, which had been recorded as far back as 1345. In spite of its previous abuse, Clos St. Imer displays a richness of soil which has, in turn, produced excellent wines, the Riesling in particular.
The white Riesling variety of grape is native to Alsace, in addition to Italy, Austria, and Germany, and like Clos St. Imer, has a long and prestigious history; its first documentation was in 1435. It promises a crisp taste and aromas of minerals, fruits, and even a petroleum flavor if allowed to age. This latter flavor can obviously be a turn off to inexperienced Riesling drinkers, though more seasoned drinkers often enjoy and even look for this flavor while sampling. We found Ernest Burn's '05 Riesling to be crisp and fresh, with a distinctive, earthy, mineral, apple-like fruit flavor. It should drink well for 4-5 years.
With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, you will be pleased to know that Riesling is quite adaptable, lending itself nicely to a variety of foods and flavors. Because of its balance of sugar and acidity, Riesling is a fine complement to salty foods, even Chinese and Thai cuisine. Riesling is also rarely aged in new oak, so its lighter body also gives it a nice versatility. That means that you can enjoy a glass of this white wine with a savory vegetable dish just as well as you could with a cinnamon-topped pumpkin tart.
The Ernest Burn Riesling will be available in our Southern stores for the next three months, so be sure you buy a bottle for your holiday table.
The white Riesling variety of grape is native to Alsace, in addition to Italy, Austria, and Germany, and like Clos St. Imer, has a long and prestigious history; its first documentation was in 1435. It promises a crisp taste and aromas of minerals, fruits, and even a petroleum flavor if allowed to age. This latter flavor can obviously be a turn off to inexperienced Riesling drinkers, though more seasoned drinkers often enjoy and even look for this flavor while sampling. We found Ernest Burn's '05 Riesling to be crisp and fresh, with a distinctive, earthy, mineral, apple-like fruit flavor. It should drink well for 4-5 years.
With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, you will be pleased to know that Riesling is quite adaptable, lending itself nicely to a variety of foods and flavors. Because of its balance of sugar and acidity, Riesling is a fine complement to salty foods, even Chinese and Thai cuisine. Riesling is also rarely aged in new oak, so its lighter body also gives it a nice versatility. That means that you can enjoy a glass of this white wine with a savory vegetable dish just as well as you could with a cinnamon-topped pumpkin tart.
The Ernest Burn Riesling will be available in our Southern stores for the next three months, so be sure you buy a bottle for your holiday table.