It was rather delightful then when Vesper House got together with Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu, to host a wine tasting event at the latter’s premises in Lazimpat on February 8. The event marked the national launch of the crisp and refreshing Riesling wine, a variety the organisers believe will be perfect for lovers trying to find the perfect wine to cap off their Valentine’s Day celebrations with.  

Riesling wines, which come in a range of styles—in both dry and sweet, as well as light and full-bodied variations—originated in Germany’s Rhein and Mosel river valleys. In Kathmandu, the Vesper House is also offering up choices with varietal aromas of apple peach and pear.

The wine house has chosen to launch Riesling in Nepal for its well-balanced blend of acidity and residual sugar. This pale yellow wine has gained a foothold in today’s modern white wine market and is one of the most versatile options available, blending as easily with pork as it does with white fish. The typical aromas of Riesling wines—flowers, fruits and minerals—blend not just with continental cuisine but also with stronger Thai and Chinese flavours.

Friday’s launch event was attended by wine connoisseurs, foodies as well as fine dining enthusiasts. Alex Lal Muktan, chairperson of Versper House said that Riesling’s flavours will set well with the palettes of both inexperienced wine drinkers as well as seasoned connoisseurs. “I am sure Reisling will make for a wonderful addition to anybody’s dinner table, especially the tables of young couples who might not yet be sure of their wine choices,” he said.

Yadav Prasad Pandey, assistant food and beverage manager at Radisson said the hotel is including the wine in its menu with the intention of offering variety its customers. “Riesling is a very popular choice of white wine,” he said. “We hope our customers will enjoy it to the fullest.”

The Riesling wines on offer in Kathmandu are all produced in Alsace, France, by Cave Vinicole De Kientzheim-Kaysers (winners of the gold medal at 2011’s Riesling du Monde Competition)