Fans of wine (especially German wine) will already know that Rieslings are some of the finest white wines on the planet. Wine made from the Riesling grape – especially that from the 13 regions strewn across Germany – is known for being fresh and flavoursome, bursting with notes of fresh fruit and citrus. It's also incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing, making for a refreshing, sophisticated aperitif or a great match to dishes from all over the world. And we're not just talking bratwurst: you could have a bottle at your favourite BYOB Thai joint and get as much satisfaction as you would sipping it on a summer terrace.
Young Rieslings tend to have honeyed and tropical fruit flavours and plenty of acidity, and it's precisely that flavour profile that gives Riesling the potential to age really well – older Rieslings tend to mature into complex and delicious wines.
So, considering how hard it is to go wrong with a cool glass of Riesling, it should come as no surprise that this grape has got an entire month dedicated to it. From 1-31 July the hottest bars and restaurants up and down the country will be getting on board with 31 Days of German Riesling –hosting events, offers and special menus to make the most of the celebration during one of the hottest months of the year. With almost 200 outlets signed up across the UK, there'll be a spot for everyone to enjoy a glass in the sunshine.
In the capital alone, you can visit places like Gezellig, Bedales, Bob's Lobster, Som Saa, Humble Grape, Medlar, and many more. Check out a Riesling and cheese pairing masterclass, sip on a Riesling wine flight or meet a Riesling winemaker and find out for yourself from this excellent wine gets made.
The venues
There are loads of brilliant bars and restaurants throughout London getting involved this year. Check out the map below to find your nearest one.
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