Clean Slate Riesling Qualitatswein Mosel 2014

Stephen Beaumont CSW CWE rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

The description in the LCBO suggests this is extra dry. Clearly it is not, and neither is it a dessert wine. It has 27g/litre of sugar but getting hung up on sweetness is a terrible thing and sadly, the LCBO has perpetuated this concept in the minds of consumers, and possibly confused things all the more by changing the method they use to indicate sweetness, to the point that it has almost become THE selection factor for many.

Sweetness, or more accurately, residual sugar, is only one factor in describing taste and style. This wine is a prime example of how the balance of acidity and fruit can affect the overall quality and enjoyableness. Despite having 27g/litre of residual sugar (clearly not "extra dry") the first impression is that of wonderfully clean, bracing, bright and enticing acidity. There is bags of citrus fruit and yet it is in fantastic balance with the level of sweetness, that together ensure a finish that is much longer than anticipated for a wine of this price, and that does not end with any trace of bitterness.

These factors make for a wine that is immensely food friendly, pairing with white meats, Asian spiced dishes, fish, and a pungent blue cheese.

This is a wine that is not too sweet, and not too dry. As Goldilocks would say, it is "just right" for drinking on its own, with food and at almost any time. Its versatility is remarkable and I was so impressed with this wine for the price that it has become, at least for now, one of my go-to faves. Oh, and did I mention that the name is so appropriate, because there are elements of slate minerality also mixed in with this pristine, clean white Riesling?

Highly recommended