Top 10 Late Harvest Riesling Wines

Top 10 Late Harvest Riesling Wines

Late Harvest Riesling wines.  What exactly are they?  Late harvest wines are wines that are made with grapes that have been left on the vine after their peak ripeness.  The key is that they sweeten over time and as they are left hanging on the vine the fruit dehydrates and further concentrates the sugars within the grapes during the 1-2 month time that the fruit is left hanging.

The process that it takes to create these late harvest wines results in a higher alcohol content as well as a higher sugar content.  These late harvest wines can be made with any grapes, therefore any wine can be made as a late harvest wine.  Specifically, though, late harvest rieslings are a favorite around here and if you are looking for some great options, check out this list of the top 10 late harvest rieslings.

While I have only tried a few of these the from the list below, I am eager to try the rest as I can find them.

1. 1. 2015 Ethos Reserve Late Harvest Riesling.  The Ethos Late Harvest Riesling is filled with intense orange/apricot/honey fragrance.  This flavor combination creates a luscious, flavorful rich wine.
   2. Hogue 2014 Late Harvest Riesling. The bright aromas of peach, honeysuckle, and jasmine are bright and airy which matches the delightful taste.
   3. Trefethen 2013 Late Harvest Riesling.  This Riesling features surprising tastes of roses, apricots, orange blossoms and even crème brulée.  This flavor combination creates a sweet, yet fresh fruity wine.
   4. B. Lovely 2014 Late Harvest Riesling. With its earthy aromas (toasted nuts, potato flour, and lilies) this wine surprises you with a spiced apple and pear finish.
   5. Grand Traverse 2016 Late Harvest Riesling. This late harvest wine is a perfect sample of a wine that mixes acidity and sweetness to create the perfect blend of flavors.  You will find flavors of honey, citrus, peaches, and melon.
   6. Elk Cove Vineyard 2014 Riesling Late Harvest. This sweet wine has a fresh, floral flavor and is a great light wine to pair with your dinner or dessert.
   7. Owen Roe 2015 Late Harvest Riesling. This late harvest wine features the sweet aroma of orange peel and honeycomb.  The flavors though extend beyond that to peach, honey, and candied lemon.  Pair this wine with your favorite dessert or even a cheese dish.
   8. Grand Reserve Late Harvest Riesling. This Riesling awards you with sweet flavors of stone fruit, nectarine, honey and exotic spices.
   9. 2014 Tethys Late Harvest Riesling.  With slight flavor hints of honey, orange blossoms, and lavender, this Riesling has an intense, yet pleasant taste.
   10. 2010 Small Lot Late Harvest Riesling.  The flavors of apricots, melons and more, this sweet wine has a flavorful finish.

My wife and I enjoy a sweeter white wine and these will definitely fit that flavor palette if that is what you are looking for.  We also love visiting the wineries in Niagara Falls On The Lake as well for some of our favorites.

What is your favorite type of wine to drink?  Do you like a particular region of the world for your wine?

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