Riesling
Originally from Germany
The most misunderstood of the great grapes: most Riesling is bone dry, but the grape's reputation for sweetness persists. At its finest it is a wine of extraordinary mineral purity that ages for decades, developing classic petrol notes. The range is the whole point.
Riesling is a highly aromatic white grape variety known for its versatility, producing wines that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. It is celebrated for its high acidity, pronounced fruit flavors (often citrus, green apple, and stone fruit), and ability to express terroir with remarkable clarity.
Taste profile
Where Riesling is grown
Food pairings
Deep dive
Riesling is native to Germany's Rhine valley and is widely considered one of the world's greatest white grapes. It has very high natural acidity, which preserves it beautifully for decades.
Styles (from dry to sweet):
- Trocken (German: dry): steely, mineral, citrus.
- Spätlese / Auslese: off-dry to medium-sweet; concentrated but balanced by piercing acidity.
- Beerenauslese (BA) / Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA): ultra-sweet, made from botrytis/overripe berries.
- Eiswein: made from frozen grapes.
Aromas: Lime, green apple, apricot, peach; with age: petrol/kerosene (a compound called TDN), lanolin, honey.
Key regions: Germany (Mosel, Rheingau), Alsace France (often dry and powerful), Clare/Eden Valley Australia (lime-juicy, dry), New Zealand.
Notable Riesling wines
Purf Trocken Riesling
Dry WhiteWittmann Weingut · Rheinhessen
Drink 2024–2032
Kung Fu Girl Riesling
White WineAncient Lakes · Columbia Valley, Washington
90 Wine Enthusiast
Drink 2024–2028
Similar grapes
Riesling FAQ
What is Riesling?
Riesling is a white wine grape that originated in Germany. The most misunderstood of the great grapes: most Riesling is bone dry, but the grape's reputation for sweetness persists. At its finest it is a wine of extraordinary mineral purity that ages for decades, developing classic petrol notes. The range is the whole point.
What are the characteristics of Riesling?
On the palate it reads as light-bodied, high acidity. Structurally: body 2/5, acidity 5/5, tannin 1/5, sweetness 2/5.
Is Riesling sweet?
Riesling is typically dry, though you will come across off-dry and properly sweet bottlings if you go looking.
What does Riesling taste like?
Think of it as a light-bodied white. The most misunderstood of the great grapes: most Riesling is bone dry, but the grape's reputation for sweetness persists. At its finest it is a wine of extraordinary mineral purity that ages for decades, developing classic petrol notes. The range is the whole point.
What food pairs with Riesling?
Reach for Riesling alongside Spicy Asian food, Pork, Duck, Sushi, Cheese.
Where is Riesling grown?
You will find its finest expressions in Mosel, Rheingau, Alsace, Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Finger Lakes.
What grapes are similar to Riesling?
If you enjoy Riesling, try Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc. Also high acid and aromatic. Herbaceous where Riesling is floral and mineral.
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