Italo Cescon Reisling

Italo Cescon Reisling is a Riesling from Massachusetts. That puts it among the cool-climate, New England-grown whites, a region where Riesling's naturally high acidity is an asset. The label gives no sweetness level, alcohol percentage or vintage, so check the bottle for those. Riesling made in cooler American regions usually shows green apple, lime zest, white peach and a touch of blossom. A mineral or wet-stone edge often runs underneath, and a faint petrol note tends to appear only with some bottle age. Expect a light to medium body, no oak influence, essentially no tannin, and a bright, mouth-watering acidity that carries into a clean finish. Riesling's range is wide, from bone-dry to clearly sweet. Whether this bottle leans dry or off-dry will show in the first sip, so taste it before building a menu around it. If it has any residual sugar, that sweetness is what makes the wine work with heat and salt. Off-dry styles suit Thai green curry, spicy Sichuan dishes, pork with apple or mustard, and salty cured meats. A drier style fits shellfish, pan-seared trout or sole, sushi, goat cheese salads and New England clam chowder. Washed-rind and mild soft cheeses also match the acidity well. Serve it well chilled, about 45 to 50°F, which keeps the fruit lively and stops any sweetness from tasting heavy. Pull it from the refrigerator about ten minutes before pouring if it has been very cold. It does not need decanting, since Riesling's aromatics are best preserved by simply opening and pouring. A tulip-shaped white wine glass or a dedicated Riesling glass is ideal. The narrow rim funnels the citrus and floral aromas, and the bowl is large enough to give a little room for swirling. Treat it as a drink-now bottle. Most Riesling at this level is made for freshness in its first few years, and the acidity helps it hold up. Unless you know the vintage and style suggest otherwise, don't expect long cellaring to improve it. Once opened, recork it and keep it in the refrigerator, where it should stay in good shape for three to four days.