RIESLING
Vibrant, Aromatic, And Endlessly Expressive
Riesling is one of the most aromatic and versatile white grapes in the world. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, it offers piercing acidity, floral perfume, and remarkable ageability. Whether from Germany’s steep slate slopes or the cool vineyards of Alsace, Australia, or New York, Riesling delivers purity, energy, and a vivid sense of place.
Key Characteristics
Riesling is typically high in acidity, with floral and fruit-driven aromatics. Styles range from dry and racy to sweet and honeyed, often with a signature mineral edge.
Style
Still, white (dry to sweet)
Body
Light to medium
Acidity
High
Primary Grapes
Riesling
Typical Flavors
Lime, green apple, jasmine, honeysuckle, peach, slate, petrol (with age)
Origin & History
Riesling originated in Germany, where it’s been grown since at least the 15th century—especially along the Mosel and Rhine rivers. It became prized for its ability to express site, age gracefully, and balance sweetness with acidity. Today, Riesling is grown in a range of cooler climates around the world, where it maintains its characteristic lift, transparency, and expressive bouquet.
How It’s Made
Riesling is almost always unoaked to preserve its clarity and aromatics. It’s often fermented in stainless steel or large neutral casks and may be made dry, off-dry, or sweet. Some of the world’s greatest dessert wines—like German Trockenbeerenauslese or Alsatian SGN—are made from late-harvest or botrytized Riesling grapes.
Notable Regions
Riesling thrives in cool climates with long growing seasons and mineral-rich soils.
Germany
Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz, Nahe
A full spectrum from dry to sweet; vivid acidity, minerality, and aging potential
France
Alsace
Mostly dry styles, with richness, floral lift, and spice
Austria
Wachau, Kamptal
Dry, structured, and intensely mineral
United States
Finger Lakes (NY), Washington State
Bright and aromatic with citrus and peach tones
Australia
Clare Valley & Eden Valley
Bone-dry with high acidity, lime zest, and petrol notes
Food Pairings
Riesling’s acid and range of sweetness make it one of the most food-flexible wines—especially with spicy, tangy, or aromatic dishes.
Appetizers
Spring rolls, smoked salmon, soft cheeses
Seafood
Crab, shrimp curry, sushi
Cheeses
Goat cheese, washed rind cheese, aged Gouda
Spicy & International
Thai, Indian, Sichuan, Vietnamese
Desserts
for sweet styles
Fruit tarts, poached pears, honey cake
How to Serve It
Glassware
Tulip-shaped white wine glass to focus aromatics
Temperature
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place; top examples age beautifully for decades
Fun Fact
Despite its reputation for sweetness, many of the world’s top Rieslings are completely dry, especially those labeled “Trocken” in Germany or “Grosses Gewächs.”
Try This If You Like
Gewürztraminer
Vouvray (especially off-dry styles)
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Riesling, showcasing the grape’s versatility from Austria’s Wachau to Germany’s iconic Mosel and Pfalz regions.
Domäne Wachau
A leading cooperative in Austria crafting innovative, terroir-driven Rieslings, including experimental bottlings like their amphora-aged expression.
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
A pioneering estate in the Pfalz producing powerful, dry Grosses Gewächs Rieslings with depth, structure, and aging potential.
Fritz Haag
A classic Mosel producer renowned for elegant, finely balanced Spätlese and Kabinett wines from the famed Brauneberger Juffer vineyard.
Joh. Jos. Prüm
One of the Mosel’s most revered estates, known for its delicate, long-lived Rieslings with pure fruit and crystalline precision.
Recommended Pours
Domane Wachau - Riesling Amphora 2021 — A distinctive, skin-contact Austrian Riesling with stone fruit, herbal depth, and textural complexity.
Dr. Burklin Wolf - Riesling Wachenheimer Gaisbohl 2020 — A powerful, dry Grosses Gewächs Riesling showing citrus oil, flint, and layered minerality.
Fritz Haag - Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spatlese 2021 — A beautifully balanced Mosel Riesling with ripe peach, slate, and vibrant sweetness.
Joh Jos Prum - Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese 2018 — A legendary late-harvest Mosel Riesling with honeyed apricot, floral lift, and racy acidity.