DIVUS WINERY | Riesling | 2022
riesling

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Today we are going to review a single varietal riesling wine that comes from the relatively cool, Codru vine growing area of Moldova – Riesling 2022 by Divus Winery. 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 or warm climate, its juice can be overripe and flabby, while in a cool climate it gets its the chance to stay on the vine late into the autumn, hence the german obsession with late harvest riesling wines. The wine we are reviewing today has been produced in a limited edition of only 3700 bottles and, in order to develop a creamy texture on the mouthfeel and extra sophistication on the aromatic profile, the wine has been aged for long 8 months in contact with the fine lees (sur lie ageing) – the dead yeast cells that are left over from the fermentation process. That said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: pale straw-yellow color
clarity: pastel lemon hues at the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & herbal/floral
fruit character: ripe

This wine opens up with delightful aromas of fresh herbs, like thyme or lemongrass, intertwined with hints of floral notes reminiscent of jasmine or honeysuckle. This fragrant character is further enhanced by subtle citrus and green fruit undertones, such as green pear, green grapefruit and green apple, adding a touch of freshness and complexity to the wine’s overall aromatic profile. Hints of leesy aromas linger in the background, hinting at the time spent in contact with dead yeast cells during or after the fermentation, thus adding a touch of sophistication and intrigue.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: none | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: ample & crisp

The wine’s palate mirrors the nose with a wave of ripe citrus that mingles with hints of fresh herbs and green fruits, creating a round and very appealing experience. The crisp acidity keeps the wine lively, balanced by a touch of alcoholic warmth that adds depth and structure. The lees character translates into a subtle creaminess that contributes to the wine’s round mouthfeel. The finish is ample and crisp, leaving a refreshingly clean and lingering sensation of a delightful and mouthwatering Riesling wine.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a quite appealing wine of good quality

All in all, this wine offers a surprising and captivating tasting experience, with an enticing bouquet of fresh herbal and floral notes, interwoven with hints of citrus and green fruit. A subtle touch of lees adds a layer of intrigue, both on the nose and on the palate. The crisp acidity keeps the wine lively, while a touch of warmth from the alcohol adds some depth. Still, the wine’s mouthfeel is plump, ample and slightly opulent. This wine lacks the structure and the complexity that one might expect from the Riesling grape variety, as it doesn’t quite deliver the lingering minerality often found in these wines.

//Scoring
DIVUS WINERY | Riesling | 2022
variety: riesling
country: Moldova
region: Codru
rating: 92.5
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This is definitely a fine wine of Moldova and with a total of 92.5 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: Due to the wine’ crisp acidity, balanced sweetness, and those intriguing herbal and floral notes, we believe it would be a fantastic match for lighter dishes with bold flavors, like for example a warm goat cheese salad. The acidity in the wine will cut through the creaminess of the goat cheese, while the herbal and floral characters of the wine will complement lovely the salad’s peppery arugula and spicy flavours. In the same key, that touch of warmth from the alcohol in the wine will be counter balanced by the warmth of the goat cheese, thus creating a harmonious and delicious interplay of flavors and textures. Cheers!

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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.