Wines Riesling Pressing Matters - R139 Riesling - 2022

Pressing Matters’ 2022 Cuvée R139 Riesling, presented here in a half-bottle format, is a dry white wine capturing the finesse and clarity for which Alsace Rieslings are so widely respected. The Riesling grape, emblematic of the region, is renowned for producing wines of remarkable purity and vibrant freshness, marked by bright citrus fruits, green apple, a hint of white blossom, and in the best examples, a distinct mineral undertone. The 2022 vintage, from a year noted for its favourable ripening conditions, is likely to display both impressive aromatic definition and an invigorating acidity, characteristic of both the grape and the region. With careful, cool fermentation and minimal intervention, producers in Alsace highlight the grape’s varietal character alongside the influence of its singular terroir.

Alsace itself, nestled along France’s eastern border and sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, enjoys a unique microclimate with some of the lowest rainfall in the country—an advantage for achieving concentrated fruit flavours and pristine acidity. The soils here are exceptionally diverse, ranging from granite to limestone to marl, which, together with marked hillside slopes, contribute to the complexity and mineral tension in the wines. Alsace has deep winemaking roots dating back to Roman times, and Riesling is its calling card, celebrated for its capacity to reflect both site and vintage with clarity and precision.

A dry Riesling from Alsace pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its zesty, lively style makes it a classic match for fresh shellfish or simply prepared white fish, such as a fillet of trout with lemon and dill. Try it with Alsatian favourites like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and pork) or a tarte flambée, where the wine’s acidity lifts the richness. It is also a superb companion to light Asian cuisine with a citrusy or herbal profile.

For optimal enjoyment, chill this wine to 8-10°C. Serve in a tulip-shaped white wine glass, allowing its delicate aromas to unfold. This half-bottle is ideal for sharing as an aperitif or alongside a meal, revealing the crisp, elegant pleasure that dry Alsace Riesling offers.