Wines Alexander Valley Charles Smith - Riesling Kung Fu Girl - 2021

Viniou Reviews

The Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2021 hails from California’s esteemed Alexander Valley AVA. This wine is crafted exclusively from Riesling, celebrated for its expressive aromatics and vibrant acidity. The 2021 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, which allowed the grapes to ripen gradually under California's generous sunshine, preserving refreshing acidity while developing concentrated fruit flavours. The vinification focuses on stainless steel fermentation to retain the grape’s natural brightness and purity, resulting in a wine with lively notes of white peach, lime zest and a touch of jasmine.

Alexander Valley, while famous for robust reds, is increasingly recognised for expressive white wines such as this Riesling. The region enjoys a warm climate tempered by cooling fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean, providing ideal diurnal shifts for slowing ripening and enhancing varietal character. The soils are generally alluvial and sandy loam, draining well and contributing to the crystalline freshness and mineral edge in the wine. Vineyards here benefit from California’s winemaking legacy, where innovation and respect for European tradition combine to produce compelling, modern wines.

This fresh, aromatic Riesling shines as an aperitif, but it’s particularly food-friendly. Its vibrant acidity and subtle residual sugar make it a match for Asian cuisine, especially dishes with a delicate sweetness or spice—think Thai green curry, sushi or Szechuan chicken. Closer to home, it pairs beautifully with Californian favourites like grilled fish tacos, avocado salads, or lightly spiced crab cakes. For a regional pairing, try it with Dungeness crab or goat cheese crostini.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not ice-cold, ideally at 8-10°C. This allows the lively citrus and floral notes to emerge fully, while preserving its crisp, mouth-watering finish. A universal crowd-pleaser, this Riesling is ready to drink now but can develop further complexity over the next few years.