Wine Talk: Emerald, but not really Riesling

14.12.2011                      18.Kislev. 5772

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Wine Talk: Emerald, but not really Riesling

A cross between two grapes, Emerald Riesling is the leading semi-dry white wine sold in Israel.

The Emerald Riesling grape first appeared in 1948, a very important year, which coincided with the birth of the State of Israel. It was therefore perhaps a foregone conclusion that it would go on to feature in a significant way in Israel.
Emerald Riesling was a cross of a fairly ordinary, boring grape variety with a great one. Prof. H.P. Olmo of the University of California at Davis produced the cleverly named Emerald Riesling from the Muscadelle and Riesling grapes. The idea was to replicate some of the characteristics of the cool-climate Riesling in a new variety that would give better yields and be more suitable in a warmer climate….