Hogue Sweet Riesling

Eastern Washingtons low annual rainfall and cool nights during the growing season make it the perfect area for producing consistently great late harvest wines. Hogue has developed a style with Late Harvest White Riesling that includes a moderate level of sweetness, richness, viscosity and crisp balancing acidity with just a hint of complexity from the noble rot, Botrytis cinerea. The 2005 bottling was produced from our best Riesling vineyards, which have the ability to ripen to the required 24+ Brix level. At that level of ripeness the wine develops its trademark tangerine/apricot flavors and being grown in the cooler climate of Washington State it retains its acidity and crispness. The 2005 Late Harvest White Riesling has aromas and flavors of dried apricot, tangerine, and powdered sugar with a hint of cocoa and mint on the finish. The wine has excellent sugar to acid balance. Excellent as an aperitif or paired with fruit sorbets, poached pears or warm apple crisp.

Region Description

The Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest in the state of Washington. It includes the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and Horse Heaven Hill AVAs within its boundaries.