Review: Zen Garden Riesling

If you’ve followed me for long you likely know I love Riesling and gravitate toward German Riesling more than others. That’s not to say Riesling from other regions isn’t good, but let’s just say I’ve had good luck more consistently with Riesling from Germany versus some other regions.

Germany has a long history of winemaking and many of the producers come from families who’ve been making wine for generations. As a result, many of the wine brands are very traditional, often with family names. If I came across a Riesling named “Zen Garden” I wouldn’t have guessed it was from Germany, based on the name. I likely would have guessed it to be from California or Washington state. But this one is from Germany, the Pfalz region more specifically.

Although the name struck me as odd and non-German at first, I get the idea when I look at their marketing materials. The idea is that a Zen garden is all about harmony and this wine is meant to strike a balance between sweet and dry. That, it does.

The aromas on this wine are soft and soothing, offering mandarin, floral, pear and wet stone fragrances. On the palate it’s right in between dry and sweet, with honey, lemon, tart apple and peach flavors with just a touch of sweetness. The acidity is sufficient, although a touch more would have played well with the sweetness The mouthfeel is nice. The finish is very long with lingering peach and mandarin flavors.

Overall, it’s a pleasant and peaceful Riesling.

Wine: Zen Garden Riesling
Varieties: 100% Riesling
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 11.5%
Rating: 86
Average price: $12.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.