Jekel Riesling

Jekel Riesling is a medium-dry California Riesling from Monterey's cool-climate coast, bottled at 12–13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2012 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a Silver Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, while the 2015 vintage received 89 points from Wine Enthusiast — consistent recognition that underscores Jekel's strength with this varietal.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12–13%  |  Origin: Monterey, Central Coast, California  |  Medium-Dry Riesling  |  Winery: Jekel Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Jekel Vineyards has long been synonymous with Monterey County winemaking, drawing from the Central Coast's coastal-influenced vineyards where Pacific fog moderates temperatures throughout the growing season. This cooling effect allows the Riesling grapes to achieve a carefully balanced sugar-to-acid ratio, producing wines that sit in the medium-dry category on the International Riesling Foundation's sweetness scale. Alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Riesling remains one of the estate's signature varietals — a reflection of how well the grape thrives in Monterey's maritime climate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe white peach and apricot, followed by Mandarin orange and hints of jasmine blossom. Some vintages reveal an additional layer of yellow grapefruit pith and a subtle, classic touch of petrol characteristic of the varietal.

Taste: On entry, mango and apricot flavors lead, building into tangy citrus peel and crisp stonefruit at the mid-palate. Green apple and fennel-like herbal notes emerge as the wine opens, framed by a chalky, mineral-driven texture and bright acidity that keeps the fruit in check.

Finish: Peach and lemon flavors linger well into a clean, moderately long finish. The acidity carries through to the end, leaving the palate refreshed rather than weighed down.

How to Drink Jekel Riesling

Serve chilled to around 45–50°F to highlight the wine's aromatic complexity and crisp acidity; a standard white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim concentrates the floral and stone fruit notes. A Riesling Spritzer — combining the wine with a splash of sparkling water and a citrus twist — plays up its refreshing character for warm-weather drinking. A classic Hugo cocktail made with elderflower syrup, mint, and sparkling water complements the wine's jasmine and floral aromatics. For something bolder, use it as the base in a White Sangria with sliced stone fruits and a touch of brandy, which mirrors the wine's natural peach and apricot profile.

Best For

• Introducing a wine drinker to quality domestic Riesling
• Summer patio dinners featuring seafood or lighter fare
• Pairing with spicy Asian cuisine where off-dry balance tempers heat
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jekel Riesling taste like? Jekel Riesling leads with ripe peach, apricot, and Mandarin orange flavors, supported by bright acidity and a chalky mineral texture. It finishes clean with lingering citrus and stone fruit.

How does Jekel Riesling compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling? Both are widely available domestic Rieslings, but Jekel sources from Monterey's cool coastal vineyards in California rather than Washington's Columbia Valley. The Monterey origin tends to produce a style with pronounced mineral texture and citrus-peel tanginess alongside the expected stone fruit character.

Is Jekel Riesling good for beginners? Its medium-dry sweetness level and approachable fruit-forward profile make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Riesling. The balanced acidity prevents the wine from tasting overly sweet, which helps new Riesling drinkers appreciate the varietal's range.

Where is Jekel Riesling made? Jekel Riesling is produced by Jekel Vineyards in Monterey County on California's Central Coast. The vineyards benefit from Pacific Ocean fog that cools the growing region and promotes the slow, even ripening Riesling requires.

What foods pair well with Jekel Riesling? Thai green curry — the wine's residual sweetness and acidity balance the dish's heat. Grilled shrimp — clean citrus notes complement shellfish without overpowering it. Pork schnitzel — a classic Riesling pairing where acidity cuts through richness. Soft goat cheese — tangy creaminess mirrors the wine's mineral-driven palate. Fresh fruit tarts — stone fruit flavors in the wine echo dessert apricot and peach fillings.

What sizes does Jekel Riesling come in? Jekel Riesling is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Jekel Riesling worth the price? Jekel Riesling positions as an accessible, everyday wine with competition credentials — a Gold Medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and 89 points from Wine Enthusiast suggest quality that punches above its entry-level price tier.

Why Jekel Riesling?

Monterey County remains one of California's most compelling regions for cool-climate white varietals, and Jekel's Riesling demonstrates why. Repeated recognition at major competitions — including Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — signals a wine produced with consistency across vintages. The medium-dry style, certified by the International Riesling Foundation's own scale, threads the needle between fruit sweetness and bracing coastal acidity, making it versatile at the table and approachable on its own. For drinkers who associate American Riesling primarily with the Pacific Northwest, this Monterey bottling represents a distinct and worthwhile alternative.