Riesling grapes are among the most versatile and distinctive in the world of winemaking. Known for their high acidity and aromatic qualities, these grapes thrive in various climates, producing wines that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. The unique characteristics of Riesling make it a favorite among both winemakers and wine enthusiasts.
Originating from the Rhine region of Germany, Riesling grapes have been cultivated for centuries. Their resilience in cooler climates allows them to express a multitude of flavors, from crisp and citrusy to rich with honeyed notes.
Riesling wines pair exceptionally well with a variety sweet styles of foods, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. This adaptability of sweet wines makes them a popular choice for dinners and special occasions alike.
German riesling is the flagship wine of German wines. Only a limited number of German riesling is semi sweet and as the winemakers concentrate on tart, acidic zesty wine. Typical examples are classic Mosel riesling styles and Rhine Riesling.
Sweet riesling like ice wine is becoming less abundant in Germany due to global warming. Ice wine enthusiasts need to move to the Finger Lakes region in the USA where temperatures in autumn are low enough to yield ice wine.
Origins and Ancestry
Riesling is believed to have originated in the Rhine region of Germany during the Middle Ages. The earliest documented mention of Riesling dates back to 1435, found in the storage inventory of the Count of Katzenelnbogen. The grape’s name likely derives from the German words “Reiß” (cutting) and “ling” (a diminutive), indicating its small, hardy vines.
Genetic studies reveal that Riesling is a descendant of the wild grape Vitis vinifera sylvestris. It also shares genetic traits with other well-known grape varieties like Gouais blanc and Traminer. These connections underscore the styles of Riesling’s ancient and noble lineage. Its ability to thrive in cooler and warmer climates, and its resistance to frost further solidify its status as a grape of significant heritage.
Historical Significance
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Riesling began to gain prominence, especially in the Mosel, Rheingau, and Alsace regions. By the 17th century, it was established as a key wine grape. Influential figures such as Johann Rukeli Trollmann played a pivotal role in promoting its cultivation and refining winemaking techniques.
Riesling’s prestige grew with time, celebrated for its unique ability to reflect terroir. It became the preferred grape for many noble and royal households in Europe. By the 19th century, Riesling wines were considered some of the finest in the world, fetching high prices at international markets.
Today, Riesling remains a symbol of quality and tradition, with renowned regions continuing to produce exceptional varietals that honor its storied past.
Characteristics of Riesling
Tasting Riesling involves an exploration of its unique aroma and flavor profile, as well as understanding how to pair it with food for the best experience.
Taste Profile
Riesling is known for its vibrant aromatic characteristics. Common aromas include green apple, lime, peach, and pear. Some Rieslings also exhibit floral notes like jasmine and honeysuckle.
Young Riesling Taste
Young Riesling is crisp and refreshing, with a flavor profile that in aromatic wine includes notes of green apple and citrus. The wine has a dry to off-dry finish and is often described as zesty and refreshing.
Aged Riesling Characteristics
Aged Riesling is complex and full-bodied, with a flavor profile that includes notes of dried fruit, caramel, and earthy wax. The wine has a dry to off-dry finish and is often described as savory and complex.
Aroma and Bouquet of Riesling
Riesling has a distinctive aroma, often attributed to a compound known as terpenes, which imparts a delightful floral and citrusy scent.
The bouquet typically features notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, and lime zest.
Acidity and Sugar Levels in Riesling
Riesling is known for its high acidity, which makes it a great pairing for a variety of foods.
The sugar levels in Riesling can vary, depending on the winemaking process and the level of sugar in the grape must.
Regional Variations
Riesling grapes exhibit distinct regional characteristics influenced by terroir, climate, and winemaking traditions. Old World Rieslings are often associated with regions in Europe, while New World Rieslings come from countries like the United States and Australia.
Australian riesling grows in colder regions like the Adelaide Hills and Tasmania whereas North American Riesling is found in Oregon or in the Finger Lake region.
Old World Rieslings
Old World Rieslings originate mainly from Germany, France, and Austria. German Rieslings, especially from the Mosel and Rhine regions, are iconic for their high acidity and range of sweetness levels, from dry to lusciously sweet. The Mosel region produces light, crisp wines with floral and green apple notes, often with a mineral edge due to the slate soils.
In France, Alsatian Rieslings are typically dry, powerful, and aromatic, with a fuller body compared to their German counterparts. Notes of citrus, stone fruit, and smoky minerality are common. Austrian Rieslings, particularly from the Wachau and Kamptal regions, are noted for their high acidity, intense fruit flavors, and ability to age well, often developing complex tertiary aromas over time.
New World Rieslings
New World Rieslings are produced in countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., regions like New York’s Finger Lakes and Washington State are known for producing Rieslings with bright acidity and varying sweetness levels. Finger Lakes Rieslings are often distinguished from sparkling wines by their balance of acidity and fruit-forward flavors like peach and citrus.
Australian Rieslings, especially from the Clare and Eden Valleys, are typically bone dry to sweet, with high acidity. They exhibit intense lime and lemon characters and can age gracefully, developing toasty and honeyed notes over time. New Zealand’s Rieslings, from regions like Marlborough and Central Otago, tend to be off-dry to medium-dry, featuring vibrant acidity and notes of lime, green apple, and jasmine.
Riesling Styles
Dry Riesling (Trocken)
Dry Riesling is a style of Riesling that is dry with high acidity. Originating from Germany, Trocken Rieslings have a strong aroma of green apple, citrus fruits, and mineral notes, often a mineral-like quality.
Off-Dry Riesling (Halbtrocken/Feinherb)
Off-dry Riesling is a style of Riesling that carries a slight sweetness balanced by high acidity. The taste of dry wine often includes flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, and honeydew melon.
Sweet Riesling (Spätlese/Auslese)
Sweet Riesling is a style of Riesling that is made from grapes left on the vine for longer, resulting in a richer, sweeter wine.
The wine has a fuller flavor profile and a more pronounced sweetness level than dry Riesling.
Riesling Ice Wine (Eiswein)
Riesling Ice Wine is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine.
The sugars do not freeze, but the water does, resulting in a concentrated, often very sweet white wine made.
Riesling Regions
German Riesling
German Riesling is a popular wine grape variety grown in many different regions of Germany.
The wine is known for its high acidity and flavor profile, which includes notes of green apple, peach, and honey.
Other Riesling Wine Regions (Austria, France, United States, Australia)
Riesling wine is also grown in many other countries, including Austria, France, the United States, and Australia.
Each region has its own styles of riesling with unique style and flavor profile, but all share the characteristic high acidity and flavor profile of Riesling.
Food Pairing and Serving Riesling Wine
Best Food Pairings for Riesling Wine
Riesling wine is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, including white fish, pork, and Asian cuisine.
The wine’s acidity and sweetness levels make it a great pairing for spicy dishes, shellfish, and chicken.
Ideal Serving Temperature for Riesling Wine
The ideal serving temperature for Riesling wine is between 45-55°F (7-13°C).
A cooler temperature helps to highlight the wine’s crisp acidity and fruity flavors.
Does Riesling Wine Age Well?
Yes, high-quality Rieslings are known for their exceptional aging potential. Some Rieslings can be aged for decades, developing complex flavors over time.
Riesling Wine Production
Vineyard Practices for Riesling Grapes
Riesling grapes require special handling during harvesting to avoid crushing or bruising the skin. The grapes are often grown in cooler climates, which helps to preserve the acidity and flavor profile.
Winemaking Techniques for Riesling Wine
Riesling wine is often made using stainless steel tanks and are characterized by their crisp acidity and fruit flavors.
The winemaking process can vary depending on the region and style of Riesling being produced.
Clones and Crosses of Riesling Grapes
There are many commercial clones of Riesling, each with slightly different properties. The most famous clones have been propagated from vines in the vineyards of Schloss Johannisberg.
Riesling Wine Facts
How Riesling Wine Differs from Other Wines
Riesling wine is known for its high acidity and aromatic qualities, often with flavors of green apple, pear, and lime.
Aged Riesling wines can develop a petrol note, which is caused by the compound 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN). The petrol note is more likely to develop in top-quality Riesling wines.
Getting Started with Riesling Wine
Where to Start with Riesling Wine
Riesling wine is a great choice for those who with wine taste prefer a lighter style of wine. It’s also a great choice for those who want to try a wine that is both decadent and refreshing.
Five Great Riesling Wines to Try
Argyle’s 2020 Nuthouse Riesling is a great example of Oregon’s Riesling style, with energetic acidity and flavors of lemon-lime and Granny Smith apples.
Cave de Ribeauvillé’s 2016 Grand Cru Osterberg Riesling is a phenomenal example of Alsace’s Riesling style, with textbook petrol aromas and flavors of apricots and slate.
J.J. Christoffel Erben’s 2006 Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese is a great example of Germany’s Riesling style, with honey-grilled pineapple and dried mangos flavors.
RGNY’s 2020 Scielo Sparkling Riesling “On the Lees” is a great example of Long Island’s Riesling style, with crunchy autumn apples and minerality.
Weingut Fred Loimer’s Rieslings are a great example of Austria’s Riesling style, with a range of vineyard sites and flavors of stone fruit and citrus.
ChristinaDay
Hi, my name is Christina Day, and I am a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur. It is my favorite alcoholic drink, and I enjoy nothing better than kicking back on the sofa after a long week of work to enjoy a glass of wine… or two!
