Add a crisp, aromatic zip to your holiday countdown with today’s pour: our 2018 Riesling Reserve. This Library wine dazzles with vibrant notes of green apple, lime zest, and white blossom, balanced by bright acidity and a hint of minerality—refreshing, elegant, and perfect for festive sipping.
Our 2018 Reserve Riesling won Best White Wine of the Year in 2020 at the All Canadian Wine Championships. The 2018 vintage was a memorable one with some wild weather. A blazing hot May got us off to a roaring start, but a wet August and September resulted in our coolest vintage at Monte Creek Ranch yet. The result was a lengthy growing season, as, in many cases, we had to let the fruit hang nearly a month longer than normal in order to optimize ripeness. Longer hang time created greater complexity, as the flavours and aromas had time to develop before sugar levels got too high. The result is bright, exuberant Meyer lemon, lemon oil, and orange blossom aromas. This wine is just on the cusp of off-dry, but its refreshing acidity gives the impression of being almost fully dry without being austere. Intense concentration of lemon, crab apple, and wet stones carry through a lengthy finish. This Riesling’s crispness and clean fruit character make this a supremely food-friendly wine. There aren’t many dishes that wouldn’t be improved by being served with a glass.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Pale straw with a luminous clarity
- Aroma: Green apple, lime zest, white blossom, and subtle mineral notes
- Palate: Medium-bodied, lively, and precise with a clean, refreshing finish
Serving Suggestions:
- Temperature: Serve chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F) to highlight its bright aromatics.
- Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with seafood, orange chicken salad, or lightly spiced meals. Ideal for holiday appetizers!
Bring a zesty, elegant note to your holiday season—bright, aromatic, and fresh, the 2018 Riesling Reserve is a true highlight in any celebration.