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 grape variety known for its floral, citrus, and mineral notes, often exhibiting high acidity and the ability to age gracefully.
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
Brauneberger Riesling
White WineGünther Steinmetz · Mosel
Drink 2025–2030
Riesling Réserve
WhiteTrimbach · Alsace
Purf Trocken Riesling
Dry WhiteWittmann Weingut · Rheinhessen
Drink 2024–2032
Trittenheimer Apotheke Spätlese
WhiteGebrüder Steffen · Mosel
Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett trocken
WhiteHofgut Falkenstein · Mosel
Drink 2023–2028
Haus Klosterberg Riesling
White WineMarkus Molitor · Mosel
Drink 2024–2030
Westhofener Riesling GG
WhiteWittmann · Rheinhessen
Drink 2024–2036
Riesling
WhiteBencze · Somló
Drink 2021–2030
Edelzwicker (1L)
WhiteGeschickt · Alsace
Drink 2019–2023
Eros de Raphael
WhitePirouettes · Alsace
Drink 2022–2028
Slovenian blend
OrangeKeltis, Zan · Lower Styria
Drink 2022–2028
Welsch Riesling
WhiteVelich · Burgenland
Drink 2024–2027
Similar grapes
Compare Riesling with
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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