2010 Riesling Central Valley – Cono Sur Chile

Located in central Chile in the renowned Colchagua Valley, Cono Sur takes its name from the shape of South America, the “Southern Cone”. The winery was founded in 1993 and conceived with the idea of producing high quality wines that deliver value while expressing both their New World origin and varietal character. In 1998, Cono Sur implemented the Integrated Vineyard Management system, using natural alternatives to fertilize, prevent and control pests, diseases and weeds. (They use geese to control the common pest ‘burrito.’) In 2000, they started their first organically managed vineyard, producing their first Certified Organic wine in 2003, and they were the first winery in South America to receive two ISO Certifications, one for quality assurance and one for environmental policies. The 2010 Bicycle Riesling is made from 100% Central Valley Riesling. It pours a bright and appealing yellow color with green hues. It’s a Riesling of delicate grace and aromatic intensity. The nose is fresh and crisp, with soft flower aromas like jasmine, which combine with nice citric notes. In mouth citric flavors like grapefruit mingle with mineral hints. This Riesling is fresh and young, with great volume and pleasant acidity. This delicate and elegant wine is a good partner for equally refined dishes: caviar, foie gras, smoked salmon, almost every single shell-fish species (shrimp, crab and lobster especially) and white meats. Less known is its predilection for vegetarian or oriental dishes, ideally Thai, and sweet or savory recipes that include fruits: prunes wrapped in bacon and apple pie for example.