Frecciarossa 2008 Gli Orti Riesling

The Frecciarossa estate is located in Oltrepo Pavese in Lombardia, a wine region in Northern Italy, which has Piemonte as its western and Alto-Adige as its eastern neighbor.

Lombardy grows quite a bit of the rather uninteresting Welschriesling, but the Gli Orti is 100% true Riesling (Frecciarossa refers to it as "Rhine Riesling" on their website). The vines grow in calcerous soils mixed with clay and all grapes for the Gli Orti Riesling are hand-harvested.

The 2008 Gli Orti Riesling has a pale lemon color with green hues. The nose is still very youthful and has a medium intensity of green pear, grass and florals. It smells like a meadow full of flowering clover.

It is dry on the palate, has a medium(+) intensity of acidity and alcohol. It is less complex on the palate, where it shows primarily a medium intensity of bitter fruit such as quince and grapefruit with spicy white pepper flavors. It has a medium length with a subtle floral and slightly peppery finish.

I enjoyed this Riesling for its uncompromising bitter flavors which work very well with its floral character. An elegant Riesling even if it lacks a bit or complexity on the palate. Drink now until 2013. Pair with cow's milk cheeses or any dishes with cream based sauces.