Appassionata GG Riesling

The Appassionata GG Riesling 2017 is a highly-rated Riesling from Oregon's Chehalem Mountains AVA, produced by Loosen Christopher Wines. It's inspired by the winemaking techniques used by Erni Loosen's great-grandfather in Germany.

The grapes for this Riesling come from the Medici Vineyard, which sits on the Chehalem Mountain ridge and was planted in 1976. The vineyard is farmed organically. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed and fermented in a neutral 3,000-liter German oak cask. The wine rests on its lees for twelve months before bottling.

Pours into the glass a pale gold color with a slight greenish tinge.

The nose offers an array of aromas and complexity. Initial bursts of stone fruits like apricots, nectarines and lily. As the wine opens up, expect citrus characters to emerge, with lemon peel freshness. Underneath all this is wet slate mimerality, marzipan, adding a hint of sweetness and nuttiness.

The first sip showcases Riesling hallmark high acidity, just invigorating. A burst of flavors of lemon and apricot shine along with apple, lemon curd, lanolin, beeswax, dandelion, honeyed fruit, and the sweetness of marzipan on a long lengthy saline finish. .

Paired with a glorious pesto, butternut squash, toasted pumpkin seed and buffalo mozzarella pizza