I recently learned that Riesling is the #1 grape grown in Washington State. And for that I am very thankful – to me Riesling is just the right combination of sweet and cool – the perfect summer drink. It is also somewhat versatile. It goes nicely with spicy food (think spicy Thai food) or with crisp salad or even on its own.
Tonight I had a glass with my dinner of a bastardized version pasta pomodor0 – using fresh cherry tomatoes that came in my weekly produce delivery.
I recently enjoyed two different Rieslings of note – Kung Fu Girl by Charles Smith and Chateau Ste. Michelle 2011 Riesling. I have to admit, I didn’t take tasting 
notes on either, I opened the bottle, poured myself a glass and enjoyed. I can tell you that I liked both equally, that I thought high enough of the Kung Fu Girl enough to share it with my wine-sophisticated family (but then again, I am a self-proclaimed Charles Smith Groupie) and I enjoyed most of the Chateau Ste. Michelle just for myself over this weekend.
I can also tell you that both bottles were right around $10 each and worth every penny. If I had to describe both of these wines in one word, it would be refreshing. It has been non-stop summer hot and after a long day of work, a glass of cool, crisp wine really makes life nice.
And that is all she wrote tonight – I am back out to the sun!
The Splendid Grape 