The origins of Skin-contact Riesling can be traced back to ancient winemaking traditions, where fermentation on the skins was a common practice for producing white wines with greater complexity and depth of flavour. While the technique fell out of favour in modern winemaking, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks to a growing interest in natural winemaking methods and alternative wine styles. Today, Skin-contact Riesling is crafted by innovative winemakers around the world, from traditional wine regions to emerging winegrowing areas, each adding their own unique twist to this ancient winemaking technique. Whether produced in the cool-climate regions of Germany's Mosel Valley or the sun-drenched vineyards of California's Central Coast, Skin-contact Riesling showcases the creativity and ingenuity of winemakers who dare to push the boundaries of conventional winemaking.

Skin-contact Riesling is characterized by its distinctive amber hue, which is derived from extended skin contact during fermentation. This unconventional winemaking approach imbues the wine with a rich texture and complex flavour profile, setting it apart from traditional white wines. On the nose, Skin-contact Riesling reveals aromas of ripe stone fruits, citrus zest, and floral notes, with hints of spice and honey. On the palate, the wine is bold and expressive, with layers of flavour that unfold with each sip. Flavours of peach, apricot, and dried herbs are complemented by a subtle tannic grip and vibrant acidity, creating a wine that is both dynamic and captivating. With its unique combination of texture, flavour, and structure, Skin-contact Riesling offers a sensory experience that challenges conventional notions of white wine, inviting exploration and discovery with every glass.

Skin-contact Riesling offers a complex and multi-dimensional flavour profile that delights the senses and challenges the palate. On the nose, the wine exudes aromas of ripe stone fruits such as peach and apricot, along with citrus zest, floral notes, and hints of spice and honey. On the palate, Skin-contact Riesling is bold and expressive, with layers of flavour that unfold with each sip. Flavours of ripe fruit are complemented by nuances of dried herbs, tea leaves, and exotic spices, adding depth and complexity to the wine. The wine's vibrant acidity and subtle tannic grip provide structure and balance, while the lingering finish leaves a lasting impression on the palate. With its rich texture, complex flavour profile, and vibrant acidity, Skin-contact Riesling offers a sensory journey that captivates the palate and challenges conventional notions of white wine.

Skin-contact Riesling is produced in diverse wine regions around the world, each contributing its own unique terroir and winemaking style to the wine. From the cool-climate regions of Germany's Mosel Valley to the sun-drenched vineyards of California's Central Coast, Skin-contact Riesling showcases the versatility and adaptability of the Riesling grape. In Germany, Skin-contact Riesling is known for its bold and expressive character, with ripe fruit flavours and floral aromatics. In California, the wine exhibits bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavours, with a crisp and refreshing finish. Whether produced in old-world or new-world wine regions, Skin-contact Riesling reflects the creativity and ingenuity of winemakers who seek to push the boundaries of conventional winemaking and explore new possibilities in wine.

Skin-contact Riesling's bold flavours and rich texture make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes, from seafood and poultry to vegetarian fare and spicy cuisine. Its vibrant acidity and complex flavour profile complement a wide range of flavours and textures, enhancing the dining experience and creating memorable food and wine pairings. Pair Skin-contact Riesling with grilled shrimp skewers, roasted chicken with herbs, or vegetable risotto for a delightful combination of flavours and textures. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with spicy Thai curry, Moroccan tagine, or Indian butter chicken, allowing its bold flavours to stand up to the intensity of the spices. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Skin-contact Riesling offers a sensory experience that is sure to delight the palate and stimulate the senses.

While Skin-contact Riesling is delightful when young and fresh, some high-quality examples may benefit from short to medium-term aging. The extended skin contact during fermentation adds structure and complexity to the wine, allowing it to develop additional layers of flavour and nuance over time. With proper cellaring, top-quality Skin-contact Riesling can evolve gracefully in the bottle, revealing new depths of character and complexity with age. While it may not have the same aging potential as red wines or traditional skin-fermented white wines, Skin-contact Riesling offers a unique aging profile that is worth exploring for those who appreciate its bold flavours and rich texture. Whether enjoyed upon release or aged for a short period, Skin-contact Riesling offers a sensory journey that captivates the palate and challenges conventional notions of white wine.