Meli Riesling

Riesling, riesling, more riesling.  We’ve been doing so many riesling reviews lately that we’re at risk of needing to rename the website to Cheap Riesling Reviews.  And here’s yet another one… but wait, there’s something different about this riesling.

Yep, this one comes from Chile—a different country in a different continent versus the other riesling we’ve reviewed recently.  Specifically it comes from the Maule Valley in Chile, a region at the southern end of the Central Valley that’s best known for its red wines but may actually be a good region for riesling.

Meli is a relatively young wine brand, but it has years of years of experience behind it.  It was started in 2005 by winemaker Adriana Cerda, who has over 30 years of winemaking experience, along with her three sons.  The property they purchased for the vineyard had 60 year old riesling and carignane vines, so the vines are much older than the brand.

Mineral, hay and slight floral aromas give this wine a pleasant and soft nose.  The palate is quite dry, offering flavors like lime, apple and mineral.  The acidity is adequate, although a touch more would be better.  The finish is relatively short with salted apple flavors.

It’s a good riesling and I think Meli has potential to get even better in future vintages.  In fact, I think Chile is a region to keep an eye on for riesling.

Wine: Meli Riesling

Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 12.8%
Rating: 85
Price: $13.00

Find Meli Riesling with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.