Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling – Your Gateway to Pacific Northwest Wine Excellence

Updated → August 2025

Discover why Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling has become Washington State's most beloved Riesling, combining Asian-food-friendly versatility with refreshing Pacific Northwest character at an unbeatable value point around $13-20 per bottle.

The Unconventional Origin Story

In the world of wine, inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments. For Charles Smith, that moment came while eating Chinese takeout and watching a martial arts film. This unlikely combination sparked the creation of Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling, a wine specifically designed to complement Asian cuisine.

The name itself reflects Smith's irreverent approach to winemaking. Rather than following traditional European naming conventions, he chose something that captured the wine's spirit: dynamic, accessible, and perfectly balanced between power and grace. Since its launch, this Columbia Valley Riesling has been "kicking ass and taking names," becoming one of the most recognizable American Rieslings on the market.

Tasting Profile and Characteristics

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling presents a captivating aromatic profile that immediately engages the senses. On the nose, you'll discover an enticing bouquet of white peach, mandarin orange, and apricot, complemented by delicate floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle. A hint of lime zest adds brightness and complexity to the aromatic experience.

On the palate, this Riesling showcases what makes Washington State such an exceptional region for this noble grape variety. The wine is technically off-dry, with approximately 16 grams per liter of residual sugar, but the vibrant acidity creates perfect balance. This racy acidity stretches out the finish, leaving your mouth watering for another sip. The medium-bodied texture carries flavors of citrus blossom, lychee, and that distinctive lime character, all underpinned by a core of minerality that adds sophistication and energy.

At 12% alcohol by volume, Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling maintains a refreshing quality that makes it dangerously drinkable. The wine's focus and precision on the palate demonstrate the careful attention to detail in both vineyard management and winemaking techniques.

Washington State Terroir Advantage

The Columbia Valley's unique terroir plays a crucial role in shaping the character of Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling. This vast appellation in eastern Washington benefits from a continental climate characterized by warm days and dramatically cool nights. This diurnal temperature variation is essential for Riesling, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving the bright acidity that defines great examples of this variety.

The soils of Columbia Valley add another layer of complexity to the wine. A fascinating mix of volcanic ash and sedimentary deposits creates excellent drainage while imparting distinctive mineral characteristics. These ancient soils, combined with the region's low rainfall and consistent sunshine, create ideal conditions for producing intensely flavored grapes with remarkable purity of expression. The result is a Riesling that beautifully reflects its origins while maintaining the approachable style that has made it so popular.

Charles Smith: The Maverick Winemaker

Charles Smith represents a new generation of American winemakers who aren't bound by tradition. Before entering the wine industry, Smith managed rock bands in Europe, an experience that profoundly influenced his approach to winemaking and marketing. His wines reflect this rock-and-roll sensibility: bold, unconventional, and always memorable.

Smith's philosophy centers on making wines that are both serious in quality and fun in presentation. He believes wine should be accessible, not intimidating, and Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling perfectly embodies this approach. Despite the playful name and label, the wine inside the bottle is meticulously crafted to showcase the best of Washington State viticulture.

Perfect Food Pairings

While Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling was specifically created to complement Asian cuisine, its versatility extends far beyond the original inspiration. The wine's balance of sweetness and acidity makes it an ideal partner for spicy dishes, where the residual sugar helps tame the heat while the acidity refreshes the palate between bites.

For Thai cuisine, try pairing this Riesling with pad Thai, green curry, or tom yum soup. The wine's aromatic intensity matches the complex flavors of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. With Chinese food, it excels alongside sweet and sour dishes, General Tso's chicken, or Szechuan preparations. Japanese cuisine offers equally compelling matches, particularly with sushi, sashimi, and tempura, where the wine's minerality complements the delicate flavors of fresh seafood.

Beyond Asian fare, Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, five-spice pork, roast duck, and even Texas barbecue where the sweetness balances smoky, savory flavors. For cheese pairings, consider blue cheeses, aged cheddars, or creamy triple-crèmes.

How It Compares to Other Rieslings

In the global landscape of Riesling, Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling occupies a unique position. Unlike the petrol-tinged complexity of aged German Rieslings or the bone-dry examples from Alsace, this Washington State expression focuses on immediate appeal and food-friendly versatility. The style most closely resembles German Kabinett or Spätlese wines, with similar levels of residual sugar balanced by crisp acidity.

Compared to other American Rieslings, particularly those from New York's Finger Lakes region, Kung Fu Girl tends to be more fruit-forward with less mineral austerity. The warmer Columbia Valley climate produces riper fruit flavors while maintaining the essential acidic backbone. This makes it more approachable for newcomers to Riesling while still offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced wine enthusiasts.

Production Methods

The production of Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling begins in carefully selected vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, typically in late September or early October, when they've achieved the perfect balance of sugar, acid, and flavor development. Cool fermentation temperatures preserve the delicate aromatics that make Riesling so distinctive.

The winemaking process emphasizes purity of fruit expression. Fermentation is halted before all the grape sugars convert to alcohol, leaving the characteristic residual sweetness that defines the style. This arrested fermentation technique requires precise timing and temperature control to achieve the desired balance. The wine is then stabilized and filtered before bottling to ensure consistency and freshness in every bottle.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

To fully appreciate Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling, proper serving temperature is essential. Chill the wine to approximately 46-50°F (8-10°C) for optimal enjoyment. This temperature range allows the aromatics to express themselves while maintaining the refreshing quality that makes the wine so appealing. Avoid over-chilling, which can mute the complex flavors and aromas.

For glassware, a traditional white wine glass with a slightly tapered rim works perfectly. The narrower opening concentrates the aromatic compounds, allowing you to fully appreciate the wine's floral and fruit notes. Some enthusiasts prefer using a specialized Riesling glass with a slightly larger bowl, which provides more surface area for the wine to express its aromatic complexity.

Awards and Critical Acclaim

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling has consistently earned high praise from wine critics and publications. Wine Enthusiast regularly awards scores in the 89-91 point range, praising the wine's aromatic intensity and food-friendly balance. The publication has noted its "über-aromatic" qualities and the way racy acidity stretches out the finish.

Wine Spectator has been equally enthusiastic, highlighting the wine's "tangy and zingy" character with "gobs of ripe pear and apricot flavors." Professional sommeliers frequently recommend this Riesling as an excellent by-the-glass option for restaurants, recognizing its broad appeal and versatility with diverse cuisines. The consistent quality across vintages has established Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling as a benchmark for value-driven American Riesling.

Price Point and Value Proposition

One of the most compelling aspects of Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling is its exceptional value proposition. Typically retailing between $13 and $20, it delivers quality that rivals wines costing significantly more. This pricing strategy reflects Charles Smith's commitment to making great wine accessible to everyone, not just collectors and connoisseurs.

When compared to German Rieslings of similar quality, which often command prices of $25-40 or more, the value becomes even more apparent. The wine offers an authentic Riesling experience with complexity, balance, and food compatibility at a price point that allows for regular enjoyment rather than special occasion consumption. This democratization of quality wine has contributed significantly to the growing popularity of Washington State wines in general and Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling in particular.

Where to Buy in Dallas

Dallas wine enthusiasts seeking Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling can find it at Kindred Spirits & Wine in Inwood. This specialty wine shop has built a reputation for curating an excellent selection of wines from around the world, with particular strength in American wines. Their knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations for food pairings and suggest other wines you might enjoy if you're a fan of this Riesling.

The wine's widespread availability is another advantage. Beyond specialty shops, you can often find Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling at major retailers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. However, purchasing from a dedicated wine shop like Kindred Spirits ensures proper storage conditions and access to expert advice about serving and pairing suggestions.

Storage and Aging Potential

While Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling is crafted for immediate enjoyment, proper storage can maintain its quality for several years. Store bottles in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature, ideally between 55-60°F. Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations or exposure to direct sunlight, which can prematurely age the wine and diminish its vibrant fruit character.

Most vintages will maintain peak quality for 3-5 years from release, though the wine's high acidity provides a preservative effect that can extend drinkability beyond this window. Unlike some German Rieslings that can age for decades, Kung Fu Girl is designed to showcase fresh, primary fruit flavors. There's little to gain from extended cellaring, so enjoy it while it's young and vibrant.

Creative Cocktail Applications

While purists might balk at using Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling in cocktails, its flavor profile makes it an excellent base for wine-based mixed drinks. The wine's natural sweetness and acidity eliminate the need for simple syrup or excessive citrus in many recipes. Try it in a Riesling spritz with soda water and fresh herbs, or use it as the base for a white wine sangria with stone fruits and citrus.

For a sophisticated twist on classic cocktails, substitute this Riesling for other sweet components. It works beautifully in place of simple syrup in a whiskey sour variation, adding complexity and reducing the overall sweetness. The wine's aromatic intensity also makes it perfect for wine-based punches served at parties, where its crowd-pleasing character truly shines.

Seasonal Enjoyment Guide

Spring calls for pairing Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling with fresh seasonal produce. Think asparagus with hollandaise, spring pea risotto, or grilled shrimp with herbs. Summer demands poolside sipping and barbecue pairings, where the wine's refreshing quality and food-friendly nature make it a go-to choice for outdoor entertaining.

Fall brings heartier fare that still benefits from the wine's balancing sweetness. Try it with butternut squash soup, pork tenderloin with apple chutney, or Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixings. Winter might seem counterintuitive for a crisp white wine, but Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling pairs beautifully with holiday ham, root vegetable gratins, and even spicy winter stews where its sweetness tames bold flavors.

Gift-Giving Occasions

Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling makes an excellent gift for various occasions. Its approachable style and moderate price point make it perfect for hostess gifts, where you want something nicer than average without being ostentatious. The playful label adds personality without sacrificing quality, making it memorable without being gimmicky.

For wine newcomers, this Riesling serves as an ideal introduction to the variety. Its balance of sweetness and acidity appeals to those transitioning from sweeter wines to drier styles. Consider gifting a bottle alongside Asian cuisine cookbooks or a selection of hot sauces for the foodie in your life. The wine's versatility also makes it perfect for corporate gifts, where you need something that will appeal to diverse palates and pair well with various cuisines.