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Article: Riesling Gets Respect
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- April 10, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Two vinous facts: Riesling is the most noble of all white wine
grapes, and Germany's Rheingau is the most aristocratic of all
growing regions for Riesling. One historical fact: The aristocracy
got its butt kicked in the 20th century.
Late in the 19th century, top German Rieslings from the Rheingau
were the world's most highly prized wines, consistently fetching
higher prices than Bordeaux's first growths. However, the century
that witnessed the breakup of empires and the downfall of nobility
also saw German wine's status in public perception fall from primacy
to plonk. Production of excellent wines never really ceased, but the
general standing of German wine was undermined by changing ...