Riesling

Type: White

Origin: Germany

Body: Light - Medium

Tannins: N/A

Acidity: High

Food Pairings

Meat/Fish

Spicy Thai Prawns

Duck with Orange Glaze

Grilled Trout with Lemon

Pork Schnitzel

Sushi and Sashimi

Cheese

Blue Cheese

Goat Cheese

Aged Cheddar

Munster

Other

Spicy Indian Curries

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Roasted Root Vegetables

Apple Strudel

About Riesling

Riesling is one of the most expressive and age-worthy white grape varieties in the world, capable of producing wines in every sweetness level—from bone dry to lusciously sweet. It is beloved for its laser-sharp acidity, floral and citrus-driven aromatics, and its uncanny ability to reflect terroir.

Originating in the Rhine region of Germany, Riesling thrives in cool climates and is the dominant white variety in Germany, Austria, and Alsace, with increasing acclaim from Australia (Clare & Eden Valleys), New Zealand, and the Finger Lakes (USA).

Its wines are known for their transparency, often showing notes of lime, petrol, and minerals, especially as they age.

Winemaking

Riesling is most commonly fermented in stainless steel to preserve its bright aromatics and racy acidity. In some regions (like Alsace or Austria), neutral oak may be used for texture without flavor. Fermentation is often stopped early to preserve natural sweetness in off-dry and sweet styles. Dry Rieslings (Trocken in Germany) are increasingly popular and offer a crisp, mineral-driven profile. The grape is ideal for late harvest and noble rot (botrytized) styles, such as Spätlese, Auslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese, as well as ice wine (Eiswein) in very cold regions.

Key Growing Regions

Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz (Germany)

Delicate, aromatic, and often off-dry or sweet with vivid acidity and slatey minerality.

Alsace (France)

Dry, powerful Rieslings with texture, ripe fruit, and aging potential.

Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal (Austria)

Dry, structured, and mineral-driven—some of the world’s best dry Rieslings.

Clare & Eden Valleys (Australia)

Bone-dry, zesty Rieslings with lime, floral, and sometimes petrol-like aromatics.

Finger Lakes (USA)

Cool-climate Rieslings with bright citrus and stone fruit notes—off-dry to dry styles dominate.

New Zealand (Marlborough, Central Otago)

Lively and aromatic, ranging from dry to medium-dry, with great purity and balance.

Fun Facts

1

Riesling is one of the noblest white grapes, with unmatched range from dry to dessert.

2

The petrol aroma in aged Riesling is prized by enthusiasts—it develops naturally with bottle age.

3

Germany’s wine labels classify Riesling by ripeness and sweetness, from Kabinett to Trockenbeerenauslese.

4

Riesling is highly reflective of terroir, making it a favorite among sommeliers.

5

Despite its sweetness reputation, some of the most acclaimed Rieslings are bone dry.

Riesling

Quick Facts

Appearance

Body

Acidity

Alcohol

Aging