Med Bag of Chips

Ham, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and arugula.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard in a whole wheat wrap.

Fit Turkey Wrap

Fill a large container or bucket with 1 liter of cold water and 2 cups of ice. Submerge the bottle, cork or cap included, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes until the bottle feels cold to the touch (8–12°C / 46–54°F target serving temperature). Rotate the bottle once after 7 minutes for even chilling.

Quick chill (if bottle is at room temperature)

Place the bottle in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours before serving to reach the ideal temperature of 8–10°C (46–50°F).

Slow chill (preferred if you have time)

If the wine is already properly chilled, remove it from the fridge 5 minutes before opening so it isn't too cold, which can mute aromatics.

Wipe the top of the bottle with a clean cloth. Remove the foil capsule and use a standard waiter’s corkscrew to extract the cork cleanly. If the bottle is screw-top, unscrew fully. Smell the cork (optional) for any strong off-odors indicative of cork taint.

Open the bottle

Riesling is typically enjoyed without decanting. Only decant if the wine has significant sediment (unlikely for 2023 vintage) or if you prefer to open the aromatics by pouring through a funnel for 10–15 minutes before tasting.

Decanting (optional)

Pour about 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) into each white wine glass, filling roughly one-third to allow swirling and aroma concentration. Reserve the rest of the bottle and reseal if necessary.

Pour

Hold the glass by the stem and examine the wine’s color and clarity. Expect a very pale straw to light golden hue for a young Clare Valley Riesling. Note the legs/tears — lighter and quicker legs indicate lower alcohol/ body typical of Riesling.

Observe

Gently swirl the wine in the glass 2–3 times to volatilize aromatics. Inhale deeply. Typical aromatics to look for include lime, green apple, lemon blossom, white flowers, wet stone, and subtle petrol/kerosene notes that develop in Riesling, particularly as it ages.

Swirl & Smell

Take a moderate sip, let it coat the palate, and breathe slightly through the mouth to accentuate flavors. Expect bright citrus acidity, focused minerality, green apple and lemon curd notes, with a clean finish. Note the balance of acidity, fruit, and any residual sugar (Clare Valley Rieslings are often dry to off-dry).

Taste

Serve with light appetizers: fresh oysters, sashimi, citrus-marinated prawns, goat cheese, or green salads with vinaigrette. Garnish seafood with a small lemon or lime wedge if desired. Offer plain crackers or bread as a palate cleanser between tastings.

Pairing

Recork the bottle (or use a wine stopper) and store upright in the refrigerator. Use within 3–5 days for best quality. If you have a vacuum pump or inert gas preserver, use it to extend freshness up to a week.

Storage after opening

Use your notebook to record appearance, aroma, flavor, acidity, body, finish, and overall score. Note the serving temperature and any food pairings to refine future enjoyment.

Tasting notes & record

Clear glasses and any appetizer plates. Rinse glasses with warm water and let air dry or wash with mild detergent if sticky residues remain. Dispose of ice water and dry the bottle if to be stored.

2023 Dr Loosen Slate Hill Riesling (bottle)

Ice (optional, to chill quickly)

Cold water (for ice bath)

White wine glasses

Light appetizers (cheese, oysters, citrus-marinated seafood, or sushi)

Lemon or lime wedges (optional garnish)

Spit bucket or cup

Notebook & pen (for notes)

Small plate for palate cleansers (crackers or plain bread)

2023 Dr Loosen, Slate Hill, Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia

Make 2023 Dr Loosen, Slate Hill, Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

2023 Dr Loosen, Slate Hill, Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia

Descriptors

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings

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