How Long Does Riesling Last?

Other than water, almost every liquid beverage, including wine, will deteriorate in taste and flavor after the bottle has been opened. There are plenty of anecdotes from wine drinkers who opened up a nice bottle of wine and decided to finish it over a few days, only to find that the wine had gone bad in just two days. How long does Riesling last?

Once opened, most wines become more prominent with initial exposure to air, but with time, this expressiveness will start to fade. The oxygen in the air will diminish the fruity flavors and flatten out the aromatics. Drinking Riesling that has been oxidized or faded does not make for an optimal experience.

In general, the majority of wines will remain somewhat fresh for 2-5 days, but this also depends on the type of wine and how you store it.

HOW LONG DOES RIESLING LAST AFTER OPENING?

Riesling, like other white wines, has a shelf life of 2-5 days, depending on the type. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can maneuver through to maintain its great taste, freshness, and aroma. However, no matter how you may attempt to preserve the wine, you should drink the opened bottle of Riesling within 3-5 days. Beyond five days, the wine will most likely turn sour.

Preserving the Unopened Riesling

Avoid sunlight: Whether the Riesling is opened or unopened, one of the best ways to preserve it is to keep it away from direct sunlight. The wine should be stored in a dark, odorless area, preferably a basement.

Keep it cool: Another way to preserve the unopened Riesling is to store it in a cool place without too much humidity.

The above two tips will maintain the freshness of your unopened wine.

Preserving the Opened Riesling

How long does Riesling last after opening? Once a bottle of Riesling is opened, there are several ways to preserve the wine, which include the following:

Cork the bottle as soon as you have finished drinking. The sooner you re-cork it, the better it is for wine preservation. If the cork is ruined during the opening, and you don’t have another kind of bottle-stopper cover the opening with plastic wrap and place a tight rubber band around it. 

Keep it cool. The opened bottle of Riesling should be placed in an ice bucket to keep it cool. This will ensure that the beverage retains its aroma, flavor, bubbliness, and taste. Storing wine at low temperatures slows down chemical reactions, which also helps preserve the wine.

Refrigerate. Once you are done drinking, store the Riesling in the refrigerator until you are ready to drink again. Make sure there is no strong odor in the fridge; otherwise, it could permeate and affect the wine. 

Store wine on its side? If you’re planning on drinking your wine in the near future, then storing the wine on its side may not help. It also takes up more space this way. In general, unopened wines are usually stored on their side to ensure that the liquid comes into contact with the cork and prevents it from drying out. 

Avoid temperature fluctuations. Once the Riesling is opened, avoid the wine getting exposed to wide fluctuations in temperature. Hot and cold temperatures usually lead to rapid deterioration of the wine. The key is to maintain the wine at a constant cool temperature. Temperature fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, causing the cork to push out, which lets oxygen inside.

To tell if your Riesling has gone bad, the first thing to look for is a change in color. Riesling, being a white wine, will appear golden or light brown when oxidized. Next, the taste will be like vinegar or extremely sour.

CONCLUSION

How long does Riesling last after opening? Most opened Riesling wines can be preserved for 2-5 days, but this is not always a guarantee. The best advice if you want to enjoy your Riesling is to finish drinking the bottle each time you open it. This way, you will not have to worry about preservation, and, more importantly, you will save money in the long run as you will never have to throw away wine that has gone bad.

Looking to try some new Rieslings? Some of our affordable and great-quality Riesling wines include the following:

• 2021 SWEET RIESLING
• 2021 J RIESLING
• 2021 DRY RIESLING
• 2018 VIN DE GLACIÈRE RIESLING

Our Best Summer Wine for 2023

The type of season definitely makes a difference in the type of wine people drink. With summer just a few months away, what wines should you be sipping? In general, there are some wines that are more favorable for warmer months; not only do they help cool you down, but they can quench your thirst and make you feel satisfied. What is the best summer wine?

The list of great summer wines is much longer and broader than most people realize. So how should one go about selecting summer wines? Throw a summer wine-tasting party? Yes!

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BEST SUMMER WINE

Color: Experts say that the wine's color is unimportant; both white and red wines can be consumed during the summer. The best red wines for summer should be those that can be chilled and have high acidity and low tannins. For those who prefer white wines, try to select those that have high mineral content or are fruit; that is the key to avoiding oaked or over-aged white wines.

Alcohol content: In general, to enjoy the best summer wine, alcohol content is very important. Most people want a summer wine with an alcohol content of less than 12 percent, preferably around 10 percent or less. Overall, wines that have less than 12 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) permit you to consume slightly more without developing the effects of high-alcohol wines. This scenario is ideal if you plan to be drinking over the weekend or attending a summer party. 

Acidity: The best summer wine will preferably have a moderate acidity because this offers you a crisp and refreshing sensation, which is ideal for combating the summertime humidity and heat.

Go light: When the temperatures are warm, the body prefers lighter drinks and food. During summer, the body needs to cool down, hence fresh and lighter wines are ideal. The list includes sparkling wines, white wines, and rose wines.

Chill the wine: One of the most important tips for summer is to drink wines that have been chilled. This means placing the wine in the fridge for a few hours before drinking and then using an ice bucket to keep it chilled at the table. Have a summer wine-tasting party to get different viewpoints.

WINES TO AVOID

During the summer, avoid the highly tannic red wines and those with high alcohol content. Wines with high tannins are anything but refreshing and, in fact, can give a bitter and drying sensation during warm weather.

CONCLUSION

If all this is confusing, then select rose wine, which is a versatile wine, refreshing, easy to drink, covers all your gastric needs, and will quench your thirst. What’s a wonderful way to decide on the best summer wine? Have a summer wine-tasting party, of course!

If you are looking for the best summer wine, here are some of our favorites:

• The Sweet Riesling is refreshingly low in alcohol and moderately sweet with flavors of peach and pineapple. It is one of the most versatile wines that can be paired with many foods, including Thai, Indian, and Mexican, or simply enjoyed as an aperitif.
• Our Riesling Ice Wine is perhaps one of the best wines for the summer. Soft, bubbly, and packed with aromas of lilac and Meyer lemon, it has bracing acidity and high sugar levels. It is ideal for a summer barbecue, late-night dessert, or charcuterie.
• Pinot Noir Rosé is an elegant wine with aromas of strawberry, rose petals, and pomegranate. It is completely dry with refreshing acidity and is ideal for a warm summer’s day with or without a barbecue.
• Silver Totem is our Washington version of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is not so ripe and jammy as to be a Californian and not so lean and gravelly as to be mistaken for a left-bank Bordeaux. This is a full-bodied red wine with notes of blackberry and oak that has been aged for 16 months to soften tannins and give it an extra flair.
• Our Sweet Red is a high-quality red wine from Washington that is bursting with juicy flavors of fresh, dark berries. The wine has a good balance of fresh acidity and sweetness that make it ideal for consumption with many foods. 
• Our Gruner Veltliner is a dry wine with high minerality, which is balanced with flavors of white peach and citrus. This top-quality wine from Washington is prized for its wonderful aroma and softness; it is a refreshing wine for summer.

Wine at Weddings: How Much, and Which Types?

While some people, especially non-wine drinkers, may not give a second thought to the type of drinks served at a wedding, there are others who feel that the choice of wine is just as important as the food choices. These wine aficionados believe that the wrong wine can ruin a wedding dinner. The fact is that the majority of great weddings are remembered for their beverages and great food. But with a plethora of red and white wine choices, what types of wine to serve at weddings becomes an important question. How much wine to serve at a wedding is another excellent question. You also need to remember that all your guests may have different tastes, and, therefore, you need to select wine(s) that will be universally appealing to the masses.

TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

Be open: Do not select a wine for the wedding strictly based on what you like. Think about your guests. What types of wine to serve at weddings? While you may prefer red wines, some guests may prefer white wines, so make sure your selection includes both types of wines.

Consider the time of the day and season: If the wedding is during fall or winter, then you may want to consider a warm red wine. If the wedding is at an outside venue during the spring or summer, nothing beats a light white wine.

Don’t forget the food: You want to select wines that will pair well with the wedding dinner. In such cases, you will need to select your food first before making the wine selection. You may want to discuss the wine selection with your caterer and determine what options are available. The general rule is that whites go with white meat (most seafood and poultry) and reds go with red meat, but there can be many exceptions.

Cost: It is important to consider the cost of the wine. Will the provider charge you per bottle, the corkage fee, and will they refund any money if there are wine bottles left over at the end of the wedding? The answer to the question, “How much wine to serve at a wedding?” can definitely impact your budget.

Tasting session: Because of the wide range of wines available, it is highly recommended that you have a tasting session at home, maybe with family and guests. This way, you will have a much better idea of what types of wine to serve at weddings.

Keep it simple: One key rule when it comes to wine selection for a wedding is to keep things simple. Do not try to please every guest and avoid selecting exotic wines which may appeal to only a few people. Go with the common, well-known wines that have stood the test of time.

WHICH WINES SHOULD YOU SELECT FOR A WEDDING?

Pinot Noir

This is an all-time wedding favorite. This delicate, light red wine is refreshing and smooth and pairs well with foods that contain meat. But because it is light, it will also pair well with most foods, including desserts.

Sauvignon Blanc

Another wedding favorite wine is Sauvignon Blanc. This dry, mildly sweet white wine pairs well with chicken, cheese, seafood, veggies, and pasta. Sauvignon Blanc is a simple wine that is also very affordable and liked by most people.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a full-bodied red wine with exceptional fruit flavors and high tannins. This assertive wine is best paired with meats like steak, lamb, prime rib, rib roast, and so on. 

Pinot Gris

This wine is a sister wine of Pinot Grigio and works great for summer weddings, especially when it is hot. The wine is best served chilled and will help cool down your guests. Pinot Gris is a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Sparkling wine

Finally, you most likely want to include some bubbly or sparkling wine for a champagne toast. Today, there are many varieties of affordable sparkling wines, and, universally, they pair well with light foods like cheese, French fries, appetizers, nuts, and all types of desserts, including tarts, pies, and cheesecakes.

How much wine to serve at a wedding? Try to choose several types. Other wedding wines which can also serve you well include Chardonnay, Syrah, rose wines, a variety of Rieslings, and many more.

CONCLUSION

What types of wine to serve at weddings? While most aspects of wedding planning can be complex, it does not have to be the case with the selection of wines. The reason is that prior to the wedding, there will be ample opportunities to sample different wines and foods, and most people will agree that this is a fun and enjoyable part of the planning process. Looking to try some great wines for your wedding? Check out what we have to offer!

What is the Most Popular Type of Wine in 2023?

The number of wines on the market is enormous, and each year the varietals are increasing. Choosing the most popular wine in 2023 is not an easy task. In general, to determine the most popular wine, some factors like taste, aroma, flavor, and place of origin are sometimes not given due consideration. Instead, the main measure that is used to determine the most popular type of wine in North America in 2023 is simply the number of bottles sold each month.

WINE PURCHASED

On average, American consumers drink about 11.2 liters of wine every year, and this number has been gradually increasing over the past few decades. Based on retail data, it is estimated that Americans are the latest consumers of wine, drinking close to 4.3 billion bottles of wine each year. And when these numbers are further analyzed, one gets an idea of the most popular wine brands in the nation. What is the most popular type of wine in 2023?

1. Chardonnay. Each year, without fail, Chardonnay is listed as one of the most popular wines not only in North America but globally. This medium to full-bodied white wine with crisp, fruity flavors of pear, banana, pineapple, peach, and apple, combined with hints of citrus aroma, is the most popular type of wine requested at restaurants. Chardonnay pairs well with chicken dishes, shellfish, creamy sauces, and cheeses.
2. Riesling. This is an iconic wine originating from the Rhine Valley in Germany. Riesling has a wide range of flavors, from sweet to bone dry. The wine is often high in minerality, with hints of fruits like peach, citrus, and nectarine, combined with herbal flavors. Due to its versatility, it can pair well with many foods, including spicy Asian, Indian, and Thai cuisines.
3. Pinot Grigio. This is the flagship of the Italian wine industry. This refreshing, light, dry wine with sharp fruity flavors, like pears and apples with floral aromas, is easy to drink. It pairs best with a variety of seafood, including shellfish.
4. Sauvignon Blanc. This is another popular dry, light wine with citrus notes and garden aromas. When aged in oak, the wine acquires vanilla, spice, and mint flavors. Sauvignon Blanc pairs best with veggies, chicken, and seafood.
5. Pinot Noir. This wine is a gem from the Pacific Northwest. This light to medium-bodied red wine is smooth with a combination of red fruits (e.g., cherries, cranberry, beet) and just a small hint of spices. It has a long lingering finish that is best paired with veal, lamb, and steak.
6. Syrah. This rich, bold, red wine has notes of pepper, dark fruits, and spices. The best Syrah originates from Australia, where it is known as Shiraz. It is a slightly sweet wine with a jam-like taste. Syrah goes best with all types of meat, including venison.
7. Zinfandel. This wine is made from the only grapes that are native to America. Grown exclusively in Napa Valley, Zinfandel is a versatile wine that is available in different styles. Unlike most other red wines, Zinfandel is aged in American oak, which gives it ripe fruity flavors with earthy aromas. It is also one of the most potent alcoholic wines that pairs well with all types of grilled foods and smoked meats.
8. Malbec. This wine is native to France but is now widely produced in the Mendoza region in Argentina. This full-bodied red wine with dark berry fruits and tannins pairs well with steak.
9. Cabernet Sauvignon. This most popular type of wine is a full-bodied red that is also widely popular across the globe. It is prized for its exotic black cherry and blackcurrant taste. It is a wine that pairs well with lamb, beef, steak, and all types of cheeses.
10. Merlot. This is a popular medium-weight wine from the Bordeaux region of France, but the grape also grows well in Western USA. Much like Cabernet Sauvignon, it is packed with fruity flavors, complex earthy aromas, and smooth tannins. Merlot pairs well with duck, lamb, and even a hamburger.

CONCLUSION

The most popular type of wine in 2023 can vary according to your tastes, not necessarily the economic impact of sales. The majority of the popular wines mentioned above are available in most restaurants in America. Depending on the restaurant, to get a recommendation, you can ask a sommelier. What is the most popular type of wine? The more you branch out and try a variety of different wines, the more you will realize the variety that exists. Your favorite wine may change as you try and learn about all the different wines available.

Some of the popular wines of 2023 that are affordable include:

• 2020 SILVER TOTEM CABERNET SAUVIGNON
• 2021 SWEET RIESLING
• 2021 RAINSTORM PINOT NOIR ROSÉ
• 2019 RAINSTORM PINOT GRIS

Why Spring Time is Riesling Time

Let’s be honest – any time is the right time for a Riesling.  There are many types of wines in the marketplace today, and it can be difficult to choose just one that is ideal for Spring wine. Many wine lovers claim, however, that if there is one wine that is considered to be the best for Spring, it has to be Riesling. While in the early days, most consumers believed that Riesling was just a sweet wine, the reality is that this wine is available as an elegant bone-dry wine as well as a delicately sweet wine, but, in all cases, its distinctive trademark charge of acidity is always present.

Riesling is native to Germany, where the grape is grown in the Moselle and Rhine Valleys. But today, Riesling is grown all over the world, especially in locations that have a cool climate, such as Washington state, Austria. New Zealand, Canada, and even the cooler areas of Australia. Rieslings to try can be enjoyed at a young age or at a more mature age. For those who prefer a more distinct acidity, the aged Riesling might be the best fit.

FINDING RIESLINGS TO TRY

Rieslings are popular wines and you really don’t need a reason, or even a specific season, to try each and every one.  Each can pair well with a variety of foods or you can just drink Spring wine alone.  It is arguably the most diverse wine among white grapes.  A dry Riesling pairs nicely with white meats, cold cuts, fish, or pork, while Riesling “J” does great justice to more flavorful foods, such as Mexican or Chinese cuisine.  Sweet Riesling works well with spicy Caribbean or Thai foods. Dessert Rieslings go wonderfully with fruit salads, desserts, or blue cheeses.

The Taste of Riesling

The taste of Riesling depends on where it is produced. The original German Riesling from Moselle Valley contains exquisite notes of blossom and green apples. The Riesling from the Rhine region has a rich, fruity, and earthy flavor, while the Australian Clare Valley tends to have delicate lime notes. The Rieslings from Washington State have delicate flavors that include hints of peach, citrus, lime, orange, apricot, and a mild tinge of spice. As Riesling ages, it tends to develop nutty flavors with notes of honey.

How Should Riesling Be Served?

In general, Riesling does not need to be decanted. Great for any season, this Spring wine should be first chilled by placing it in the refrigerator for an hour prior to serving. Remove it approximately 15-20 minutes before serving. After pouring everyone’s first glass, place the wine bottle in a bucket of ice to maintain the chill. The best temperature for serving Riesling is about 55F (13C). The sweet or aged Riesling can be served slightly warmer at about 60F (16C). Overchilling is not recommended as it will prevent the wine from fully releasing its bouquet.

Pairing Riesling with Food

Rieslings are very versatile wines that can be paired with many foods.  In general, Riesling pairs well with foods that contain citrus notes (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit), kaffir lime, or lemon grass. Some food and Rieslings to try include choices that pair well with Asian, Indian, and Thai cuisines.

• If you are consuming a dry Riesling, it will match well with most seafood, fish, and white meat dishes, including chicken.
•  A semi-dry Riesling, which is a little less acidic, tends to pair well with fruity dishes or lightly spiced foods. Think light Indian and Thai curries, pork, white meat, sauerkraut, lamb, etc.
• A sweet Riesling will pair well with all types of desserts, fruity tarts, pies, cheeses, and charcuterie.

A terrific place to start for Spring wine is with a Riesling.  There are Rieslings to try for every occasion or event, or, better yet, no occasion.  Just cozy up with a good book and your favorite Riesling wine.

If you are looking to try some new Rieslings, then visit our Shop Page and read about all of our options!