Cheap Good Riesling

Great with Tex-Mex or other spicy dishes, this Riesling’s tangy apple, peach and apricot flavors are well balanced with light floral notes.

Winery: Climbing Vine
Vintage: 2010
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Monterey County, California

Peach and tangerine notes punctuate this slightly dry, but still soft and clean Riesling. Pairs excellently with crab dishes and pork.

Winery: Mercer Estates
Vintage: 2007
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Yakima Valley, Washington

This crisp and bright Riesling hails from the biodynamic Wallula winery in Columbia Valley, Washington. Peach, citrus and a slight mineral tang on the palate, this wine works well with pork and dessert.

Winery: Wallula Vineyard
Vintage: 2007
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Ratings: Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points

For the price, this is another excellent Australian screw top wine. A citrus palate and floral notes punctuate this juicy Riesling, which pairs well with Indian and Chinese food.

Winery: Leasingham
Vintage: 2008
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Australia
Ratings: James Halliday – 91 Points

This friendly, dry Riesling was ranked #66 by Wine Spectator in its list of the Top 100 wines of 2009. Bright acidity with tropical and orange notes make this wine a good pairing with summer dishes.

Winery: Barnard Griffin
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Variety: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Ratings: Wine Spectator – 90 Points

A pedigree wine, and considered the best U.S. Riesling, the Eroica 2007 is a joint collaboration between the Chateau Ste. Michelle and Ernst Loosen wineries. You owe it to yourself to try this complex, crisp and fruity Riesling.

Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ernst Loosen
Vintage: 2007
Type: White
Variety: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Price: $19.99

Like all Rieslings, the Fess Parker 2005 is semi-sweet (3.5% residual sugar), but not to be mistaken for a dessert wine. Floral aromas and hints of orange and lychee nut are followed by crisp flavors of peach and pineapple in the mouth. Serve slightly chilled alongside spicy Asian food, soup and salad, or fruity desserts.

Winery: Fess Parker Winery
Vintage: 2005
Type: Riesling
Region: Santa Barbara County, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 California State Fair Wine Competition
Price: $11.99