German, mineral, intellectual and demanding: these are the words used by Engineer Alberto Arizu to describe Riesling, the variety of German origin that has little by little captivated white wine lovers across the world. This is one of the finest and long-lasting vines, and also one of the varieties that best reflects the terroir where it is cultivated; therefore, it can provide very different versions of itself.
The various Riesling styles are the result of the impact of the each terroir’s climate and soil and the moment at which grapes are harvested: quite late for sweet wines, well into winter for European ice wines, or very early for light wines. When young, the German and Alsace Riesling wines –two of its most renowned terroirs– stand out for their fresh and intense aromas that blend as they age, mostly after 10 years of stowage. Argentina and Chile also provide very interesting wines, although some of them are usually mature and lack the characteristic acid touch of European wines.
This is a very special variety for Bodega Luigi Bosca, as it has been making a pioneer Riesling in Argentina that has filled the Arizu family with pride since 1975. Our Riesling was planted in Finca Los Nobles in 1965, using grapes from select vines; this vineyard located in Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo, 1050 meters above sea level, is the perfect setting for this white grape. Altitude, cool climate, and a loamy and calcareous soil, with great white stones, are the perfect combination for its attributes to be highlighted through agroecological and biodynamic practices. This results in a wine of character and personality that embodies the terroir and the hand of our Head Winemaker Pablo Cúneo. Overall, the Luján de Cuyo Riesling features notes of lime, lemon and wild flowers. Fruit at core, rounded, elegant and well-bodied in the mouth.
Engineer Alberto’s 5 secrets:
As this variety’s winemaking process is quite demanding, over time, Engineer Alberto Arizu (Sir) has uncovered five secrets that now guides us through the work performed for our Riesling to express its full potential today.
On the occasion of the International Riesling Day, celebrated each year on March 13, we would like to share them with you:
As this variety’s winemaking process is quite demanding, over time, Engineer Alberto Arizu (Sir) has uncovered five secrets that now guides us through the work performed for our Riesling to express its full potential today.
1. It is an inflexible variety: If the work performed at the vineyard is not so precise, it will be impossible to change the variety’s structure, as it needs to be perfectly-formed in the vine. Therefore, proper work at the estate is even more important than the winemaking process taking place at the wine cellar.
2. It is highly-oxidizing: We should never forget that the Riesling is a very oxidizing variety, so special attention should be given to avoid contact with oxygen during fermentation (malolactic fermentation is carried out, without contact with oxygen).
3. Instant pressing: Pressing grapes no later than two hours after the conclusion of harvest is essential as, otherwise, the Riesling will lose a considerable part of its characteristic aromatic substances.
4. Berry protection: The grape must be absolutely protected throughout the entire winemaking process: in the harvest crates, in the grinding process, and also at the tanks. Riesling is a variety that requires patience and special attention, but it is definitely worth the team’s effort and commitment.
5. Work with cold temperatures: Work with this variety always needs to be cold, avoiding contact with the oxygen to take special care for the aromatic matter of this variety, one of the most complex and sophisticated ones.
