Summer is a great time to drink Riesling. Many of us migrate more towards the white wines as the weather continues to grow warmer. While most people think sweet when they hear Rielsing, there are some excellent offerings out there that will surprise you with their lack of sugar content. Here's a look at five Riesling's I've tasted over the last few weeks:

1. Sea Glass - Moneterrey, CA

Light and expressive with tropical fruits and a higher level of sweetness.

2. Red Hawk Vineyards - Wllamette Valley, OR

A little more rich than sea glass with fresh apple and good residual sugar.

3. Salmon Run - Finger Lakes, NY

They've made good riesling for decades! Great balance and moderate sugar.

4. Winzer Von Erbach - Rheingau, GER

Aromatic, minerally, delcious, and a little spicy. An off-dry style with low sugar.

5. Max FerdRichter "Veldenzer Elisenberg" - Mosel, GER

A Kabinett with excellent sugar content and bright pear and peach fruit flavors.

As this list shows, Riesling is not always just about sugar content. In fact, the better Rieslings aren't "candy bar" wines. They offer sweetness balanced with other flavor profiles that lend balance and structure to the wine. All of these wines are available in our local area. If you store or restaurant doesn't carry them, they can get them for you easily.

Cheers and Bon Appetite!