Schmitt Sohne Rheinhessen Riesling QbA 2021

Extending south from the Rheingau region to become a valley of gently rolling hills, Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest wine region. The best Rieslings of Rheinhessen, often characterized by smoky, peach and citrus aromas, come from vines grown in the red soils of the Rheinterrasse.

Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.