What Kind of Wine Is Fetzer Riesling?
Fetzer Riesling is a creamy California white wine. Bright floral and fresh pear aromas define the nose, while a sprinkle of sweetness emerges just before flavors of tropical and citrus appear. Amidst those, a lively acidity drives to an apple and stone fruit finish, pleasing wine enthusiasts.
California Riesling’s usually showcase high acidity and palatable stone fruit flavors. Due to the intense heat of the region, the Riesling grapes increase their sugar concentration to such an extent that they produce vibrant whites. They may not be as refreshing as Rieslings from the prestigious Mosel or have perfect balance, but they manage to satisfy wine drinkers nonetheless. Unlike wines produced elsewhere, California wines maintain their fruitiness in favor of complexity and elaborateness. They remain silky and pure fun, disregarding irrelevant structure.
Fetzer Riesling Review
- Winery — Fetzer Vineyards
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Mendocino County
- Type — Californian Riesling
- Aroma — Lavender, Jasmine, Apple, Pear, Quince, Peach
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Pineapple, Mango, Peach, Nectarine, Grapefruit, Lemon, Honey, Flint, Wet Pebbles
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spaghetti Carbonara, Sea Bass, Red Snapper, Pork, Spicy Mexican
Fetzer Riesling is an accessible and satisfying California white. It is fruity and rousing, but it is also sweet and complex. Every sip is like diving into a paradise of sweet-smelling flowers, fresh pears, and ripe pineapples. Drink Fetzer Riesling and refresh yourself after a tough day at the office. Trust me, you will feel like a different person after just one glass!
Tasting Notes
If Fetzer Riesling does one thing well, that is to distinctly balance primary floral notes and ripe tropical flavors. On the nose, floral fragrances blend with green fruits, while on the palate, Fetzer Riesling shows ripeness. Pineapple combines with stone fruits as the brisk, acid-driven flavors of citrus elevate. The finish is long, preserving the sweetness from start to end. Fetzer Riesling, therefore, is a delicious Riesling with a fruity tasting profile.
Appearance
With a golden hue like the rays of the hot California sun, Fetzer Riesling is beautiful. The center is translucent and opens near the rim, transforming into a deep lemon-lime tone on the sides. The legs of the wine are long and watery, complementing the appearance. As such, Fetzer Riesling is a looker. Wonderful!
Aroma
Fetzer Riesling opens with delicate floral aromas accompanied by notes of green fruit. From the first moment, the bottle uncorks, fragrances of lavender and jasmine surface. Later, gentle touches of pear interlace with hints of stone fruit to create the finely textured aromatic profile. Fetzer Riesling is charming, approachable, and sweetly perfumed. It does not disappoint.
Taste
Fetzer Riesling is medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Ripe tropical and citrus fruit flavors contribute to the creation of the irresistible palate. Pineapple and mango notes lead the way as overtones of grapefruit and lemon commence a lively dance. Suggestions of apricot add a splash of sweetness as the brisk acidity provides balance. In fact, the acidity is fizzy and offsets the slightly overwhelming ripeness. Fetzer Riesling is a seriously savory wine.
Finish
Fetzer Riesling ends with the same intensity it started, as it has a creamy and long finish. The sweetness of pineapple and peach is still present on the tip of the tongue. Just before the last drop goes down the throat, a mineral taste surfaces, adding complexity. A good ending to a great Riesling, leaving wine fans excited to taste more.
Rating
Breathing in lavender and jasmine, Fetzer Riesling starts with bright apple and pear aromas before it continues by displaying ripe exotics on the palate. The smooth finish and the vivid acidity make it a superb California white. It may not be the most complex Riesling on the market, but it is easy-drinking. Whether on a sunny summer day or a fine spring afternoon, Fetzer Riesling makes a fantastic sipper.
Fetzer Riesling Food Pairing
Fetzer Riesling is delightful when paired with creamy pasta, fresh fish, and spicy Mexican. Therefore, spaghetti carbonara with bacon and mushrooms blends deliciously with the ripe tropical fruits of the wine’s palate. Similarly, a fillet of grilled sea bass combines with the citric-driven acidity, while the inherent sweetness accompanies a plate of smoky Mexican pork stir fry. Such a fantastic white that goes with so many food options, Fetzer Riesling is extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Fetzer Riesling?
Fetzer Riesling is a product of Fetzer Vineyards, a Certified California Sustainable Winery. At Fetzer, they strive to do well with every opportunity. Through their collection of wines, they take an active role in building a future to look forward to—‘a better tomorrow’, as they put it. Their wine catalog includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Fetzer Vineyards began as a ranch bought by the Fetzer family in California’s Redwood Valley in 1958. Eventually, the family converted the barn into a winery, and by the early 1970s, they produced their first commercial vintage. During the 1980s, Fetzer began investing in sustainable farming practices and has since garnered a reputation for its commitment to the environment. It has won many awards for its environmentally friendly methods. They even became the first California winery to run entirely using renewable energy. In 1992, the Chilean wine giant Concha y Toro acquired the winery. Since 1999, the winemaking moved to Mendocino County on the North Coast of California.
How Is Fetzer Riesling Made?
Because Fetzer is a fruit-forward Riesling with an elegant aromatic profile, it needs careful handling at the winery to avoid acidification and oxidation. After harvest, the Riesling grapes are de-stemmed, crushed, and pressed to release their juice. Then, that juice is placed inside stainless steel tanks to undergo cold fermentation. By doing so, the final wine preserves natural acidity, obtaining balance. When the fermentation is over, Fetzer Riesling is removed from the tanks, refined and filtered from yeasts, then quickly bottled to retain fresh fragrances.
Where Is Fetzer Riesling Made?
Fetzer white wine is made with Riesling grapes, sourced in Mendocino County in California. Mendocino County is north of Sonoma County. It is a large and diverse region and includes the cool Anderson Valley, a grape source for aromatic white wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Mendocino experiences a warmer and drier climate than Anderson Valley, protected as it is, behind coastal hills. The wines there are full-bodied with soft tannins and are often made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah.
California has celebrated wines and state-of-the-art wineries. The bright sun combines with cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean, producing a vast range of wine styles. California is also renowned for introducing a new wine-making style that challenges European tradition. The emphasis is on the fruitiness of the wines rather than structure.
How to Serve Fetzer Riesling?
Fetzer Riesling wine is served best in medium-sized white wine glasses. This size of glass gives the wine the necessary aeration. As the air comes into contact with the wine surface, the floral fragrances and exotic flavors of Fetzer Riesling elevate. Furthermore, the wine requires chilling at forty to fifty degrees Fahrenheit (seven to ten degrees Celsius). Three to four hours before serving, place it inside the fridge wrapped around a wet paper towel to help it chill rapidly.
To maintain it cool during service, put it in an ice bucket or wine cooler. The bucket should be filled three-quarters full with equal quantities of ice and water so that iced water surrounds the bottle. The water is then able to transfer the heat from the bottle to melt the ice. Air acts as an insulator, and the bottle chills. Keep in mind, however, that over-chilling overshadows the flavors in wines.
How Much Does Fetzer Riesling Cost?
Fetzer Riesling is not a costly white. As such, everyone can obtain it with ease. Fetzer Riesling price ranges from $9 to $12, depending on the retailer. Wine enthusiasts are in for a good one with this California Riesling. It will cost them a fraction of the cost of some German Rieslings without missing out on quality. Try it.
How Long Does Fetzer Riesling Last?
As most California Rieslings, Fetzer is not an exception to the rule and is primarily fruit-forward. So, it cannot benefit from long-term storage. It needs to be consumed within six months to a year from the date of bottling. The longer it stays uncorked, the decline of its elegant aromas and finely layered fruit flavors increases. If it stays too long in the pantry, it is bound to turn into a dull, even faulty wine.
How Many Calories Does Fetzer Riesling Have?
Fetzer Riesling is diet-friendly, as it is a suitable dietary choice with a low-calorie density. There are about 22 calories in 1 fluid ounce of the beverage, so Fetzer Riesling calories count up to 100 per serving. The total calorie breakdown is 0 grams of fats, 5 grams of sodium, 5.5 grams of total carbohydrate, 0 grams of protein, and 3.1 grams of total sugars. As a consequence, Fetzer calories do not pose a threat to consumers on a diet. Instead, this Riesling makes a fantastic choice for a daily beverage. Fetzer Riesling alcohol content is 13% per 750ml bottle, a standard alcoholic concentration for a medium-bodied Riesling.
Conclusion
Fetzer Riesling is an accessible and satisfying California white. It is fruity and rousing, but it is also sweet and complex. Every sip is like diving into a paradise of sweet-smelling flowers, fresh pears, and ripe pineapples. Drink Fetzer Riesling and refresh yourself after a tough day at the office. Trust me, you will feel like a different person after just one glass!
