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Wines of Germany and the European Union Present the Fifth Annual Riesling Week

Riesling is Celebrated Coast to Coast as the Ultimate Food-Friendly White Wine

NEW YORK, NY (May 13, 2009) - Wines of Germany and the European Union present the fifth annual Riesling Week, May 18-24th. During the week, restaurants and wine retailers from coast to coast will celebrate Riesling from Germany, as well as from Austria and Alsace, as the perfect complement to any warm-weather meal.  Restaurants in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas and Miami will offer European Riesling specials, including by-the-glass selections and food-pairing menus.  Wine retailers will also host Riesling tastings in participating cities.  More information can be found at www.destinationriesling.com/week.

European Riesling is known for its incredible elegance, versatility, unrivaled quality and harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.  It is the fastest growing white varietal in the U.S. and is consistently named as the first choice for white wines by sommeliers nationwide.  Germany is the birthplace of Riesling and holds more than 60 % of Riesling plantings worldwide.

"Since Riesling can range from bone dry to seductively sweet, its diverse nature suits a variety of dishes and pallets, making it an ideal choice for sommeliers and consumers alike," said Alex Hasbany, General Manager of Spice Market NYC.

Over 100 top restaurants and retailers in New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago have signed on to promote European Riesling during this national celebration. 

"This year marks the fifth anniversary of our very successful Riesling Week promotion," said Monika Reule, Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI) Director." By offering Riesling specials, such as tastings and pairing menus, restaurants and retailers are exposing customers to the unique strengths and qualities of world-class Riesling from Germany as well as Austria and Alsace."

The Riesling Week promotion is part of the "Destination Riesling" campaign, underwritten by Wines of Germany and the European Union.

Participants include:

RESTAURANTS

RETAILERS

About Destination Riesling

Destination Riesling is a holistic communications campaign designed to increase interest and awareness for European Riesling among consumers in the U.S. The three-year program contains both consumer marketing and trade elements such as a dedicated Web site, restaurant promotions, tastings, seminars, press and sommelier trips. The campaign is underwritten by the German Wine Institute and the European Union. More information can be found at www.destinationriesling.com.

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