How to describe a Riesling varietal wine ? In oenology we can say : lemon, White peach, lime tree… and koala urine !
If you are a big fanatic of Alsace wines, then you should read this article. In the emblematic grape varieties of this French wine region, we of course find the Gewurztraminer, but also the very famous and aromatic Riesling. What you may never have been told, there is a very close relationship between a good glass of chilled Riesling for the aperitif… and Koala urine !
Some explanations about Riesling
Riesling is one of the noble grape varieties of the Alsatian vineyard. The wines made from this grape are fresh and fruity and endowed with a magnificent minerality. The aromas are rather floral with nice notes of white fruit. They are wines to drink rather in their youth.
"Alsace Riesling is a wine to keep that can improve in the bottle for decades. The diversity of Alsace terroirs is made for him because it is a variety that knows how to be discreet, for the benefit of stones from which he draws the most beautiful secrets. " www.vinsalsace.com
What is the relationship between Riesling and Koala ?
It is rather common to speak of minerality, flowers or fruit notes during a wine tasting. It is much rarer to speak of Koala urine. Yet, in 1996, a team of researchers found a connection between a glass of Riesling and Koala urine.
The team of scientists succeeded in isolating a component of the wine described as an "intense and pleasant smell of coconut". The oenological term specific to this aroma is "Whiskey-lactone". This aromatic compound, born from aging wine in oak barrels, can give the wine aromas of coconut, but also of leather or earth.
This is where the problem lies… This is not the first time that scientists have managed to isolate this substance and unfortunately it was not in wine that they found it ! In 1975, researchers had succeeded in isolating the same chemical compound in koala urine.
Do not worry, they are two different isomers. This means they have the same amount of atoms, but the structure is different. The coconut taste of your favorite wine, even very pronounced, therefore cannot be assimilated to koala urine.
If you want to make an olfactory and taste comparison of koala urine and a Riesling, remember to contact Beaux-vins quickly.
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