2020 Lahusen Riesling

Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Canelones, Uruguay
Cost: $25 (SRP)

Winemaker’s Notes: Very light yellow in color with vivid greenish notes. Primary aromas of white fruits, freshly cut grass, an a subtle pyracinic touch. It’s sharp on the palate, with a remarkable natural acidity, fresh, mineral, eternal. Due to its natural acidity, this wine pairs well with fatty meats, as well as fish and shellfish. It is definitely a great summer aperitif.

My Review: This wine was confusing for me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it (spoilers), but if I’d tasted this blind I don’t know that I would have picked Riesling. To be fair, I haven’t had a lot of Riesling from Uruguay, but maybe a Pinot Blanc or an oaked Sauvignon Blanc–almost anything other than a Riesling. Why? Well, here’s what I wrote down for my tasting notes.

Golden yellow in color (NOT like an oaked Chardonnay); hints of green. Lime on the nose and the palate. Wet stone in the mouth. Hint of green grass as it warmed. Good body and structure on the mid-palate that leads to a crisp, clean finish. Good acidity, but none of the flavors of Riesling I’m used to (sweetness, petrol, etc).

I think if I saw those notes without any context I’d guess a lot of things, but probably not a Riesling. Again, I enjoyed the wine. I didn’t pair it with anything, but I think some shellfish would be a good pairing option, along with some sharp cheese or anything where the acidity could provide a balance or counter point to something fatty or rich.

Maybe having the wine with food would have provided some clarity. Maybe it just would have further confused me. Either way, I’d be willing to give this wine a second look, even if I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

Disclosure: I received this wine as a free sample for review.