TE WĀ WINES | Riesling | 2019
riesling

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Today we are going to perform a trip into the past and re-evaluate a wine that is rightly considered among the best single-varietal riesling wines of Moldova – Riesling 2019 by Te Wā Wines. Riesling must be the world’s most misunderstood grape variety, as the resulting wines are unlike any others – light in alcohol, high in natural acidity, with the ability to transmit the terrior through its extract and unique aromas and, what makes it stand out from the crowd, riesling wines are capable of ageing for decades. Relative to other internationally grape varieties, riesling ripens quite early, so when planted in a hot climate its juice can be overripe and flabby, while in a cool climate it has the chance to stay on the vine late into the autumn, hence the german obsession with late harvest riesling wines. This particular wine has been produced in a limited edition of only 3528 bottles and ours is the bottle #2999. That said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to the tasting results and see how the wine has evolved since our last review.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

(rev.2021)

(rev.2023)

//Visual
color: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: pastel-yellow hues at the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & fruity
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, the wine displays a delightful fruit character marked by a harmonious interplay of ripe and dehydrated notes. The foreground is adorned with nuanced petroleum hints, gracefully intertwining with the inviting aromas of yellow fruits and citrus. A bouquet of quince, yellow pear and apricot takes center stage, complemented by a zesty dance of lemon, pomelo and grapefruit. The aromatic journey extends into the background, where the subtle presence of herbs and meadow imparts a touch of elegance to the overall profile.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: seedy

On the palate, the wine reveals a captivating array of flavors that engage the senses. The slightly flat acidity imparts a mellow touch, allowing the ripe and dried fruits to take center stage. A medley of yellow fruits intertwines seamlessly with herbal undertones, creating a palate that is both vibrant and complex. The well integrated alcoholic warmth adds a subtle depth, enhancing the overall richness without overpowering the delicate fruit character. As the mouthfeel evolves, a seedy aftertaste emerges, providing a lingering finish that leaves a pleasant imprint. This wine strikes a harmonious balance between its fruity elements, herbal nuances, and the gentle warmth and seediness.

//Verdict
maturity: past its prime | do not age | drink today
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this is a round, rich and ripe riesling wine with nuanced subtleties and a slightly seedy aftertaste. It feels well-structured, showcasing nice varietal typicity despite its age, however, the wine falls short in terms of freshness on the palate, revealing a touch of underwhelming acidity. Despite this, its round and rich character, accompanied by nuanced phenolic bitterness and a slightly seedy finish, make it an intriguing and complex option for those who appreciate the depth of an well aged riesling.

//Scoring
TE WĀ WINES | Riesling | 2019
variety: riesling
country: Moldova
region: Stefan Voda
rating: 93.1
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and with a total of 93.1 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Given the wine’s aromatic profile marked by nuanced petroleum notes, yellow fruits and citrus, alongside its slightly seedy aftertaste, we would recommend to pair it with a flavorful dish that would complements the wine’s rich and nuanced characteristics. A controversial pairing would be grilled pork chops with a citrus-marinated sauce. Contrary to the canons, white wines can pair well with pork meat, if the wine is complex enough to handle the flavour of the dish. This pairing would highlight the fruity and herbaceous elements of the wine, supported by its seedy finish, that will will harmonize well with the savory notes of the grilled meat, creating a delightful interplay of flavors. To elevate the experience, consider serving the dish with a side of roasted root vegetables and a light herb salad, providing a textural and flavorful balance to the round and ripe nature of the wine. Cheers!

(rev.2021)
(rev.2023)

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.