# Kung Fu Girl Riesling (2024)

- **Producer:** Charles Smith Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Washington, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, peach, apricot, lime, lemon, blossom, biscuit, petrol, honey

## About this wine

Created by former rock band manager Charles Smith in Washington State, Kung Fu Girl Riesling is an iconic American white wine. Inspired by a giant bowl of Chinese takeout and a classic martial arts movie, Smith sought to create a pure, focused Riesling that perfectly pairs with spicy Asian cuisine. The grapes are sourced from cool-climate vineyards in the Columbia Valley, particularly the Ancient Lakes AVA, known for its sandy soils and basalt underlay, which impart a distinct mineral character to the wine.

## Interesting facts

- The wine was conceived by founder Charles Smith while eating Chinese takeout and watching a fight scene in a martial arts movie.
- Sourced primarily from the Ancient Lakes AVA, where ancient glacial floods left behind rich mineral soils perfect for Riesling.
- The eye-catching black-and-white label was designed by fashion designer Rikke Korff, reflecting the wine's bold and edgy personality.

## Food pairing

The off-dry style and high acidity of this Riesling make it an exceptional partner for spicy and aromatic dishes. The touch of residual sugar tames the heat of chili peppers, while the vibrant acidity cuts through rich, fatty proteins like pork or fried foods, cleansing the palate between bites.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Kung Fu Girl Riesling focuses on preserving the vibrant primary fruit and natural acidity of the grape. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using selected yeast strains to enhance aromatic expression. The fermentation is stopped early by chilling to retain a precise amount of residual sugar, balancing the high natural acidity. The wine is aged on its fine lees for a short period before bottling to add texture and complexity.