Back in college, there was a bar in the old part of town called “Bar.” It’s still there–and the official name of it is (and was) Tavern on Main–but the sign out front just said “Bar” so that’s what everybody called it. Where’s the karaoke tonight? Bar. Where did you park? Bar. The name was direct, it was functional, and it left no doubt as to what you would find inside.
I feel a similar fondness for this wine, which is making a bold effort to declare its contents and save everybody some precious time. Hey, do you have a Clare Valley Riesling? Sure, how about this one: Clare Valley Riesling from Clare Wine Co.
Medium lemon color in the glass. Zingy and clean aromas of lime, Rose’s Lime, and light petrol. The citrus and green-apple flavors agree with its palate-blasting acidity and moderate alcohol. There’s some bitter pithiness (lime and grapefruit peel) and no detectable sweetness. The finish is dry and mineral, like bottled lime juice spiked with concrete dust. Happily, this wine is just what it says: A zippy Clare Valley Riesling with good balance and persistence.
Dry Riesling is a clutch player of a takeout wine, especially with difficult pairings like fried and spicy food. I drank it with tater tots and spicy tenders from AJ’s Hot Chicken. (In keeping with the theme of this review, it’s a restaurant that serves hot chicken, founded by a guy named AJ.)
Bottle: Clare Wine Co. Watervale Riesling (2020)
Variety: Riesling (100%)
ABV: 12%
Suggested retail: $23.99
My rating: 7.8 (out of 10)
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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