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Your ultimate guide to Riesling
Riesling is loved for its refreshing acidity and wide range of flavours, from bright citrus to rich stone fruits. Originally from Germany, this delightful wine is produced in various wine regions worldwide, including the sunny vineyards of South Australia.
Whether you’re a Riesling enthusiast or want to learn more, continue reading to discover this wine’s unique tasting notes, perfect food pairings and expert serving tips. We’ve also highlighted some top-rated Rieslings to try now.
What is Riesling?
Riesling is a highly aromatic and versatile white grape variety known for producing white wines that range from bone-dry to sweet.
Originating in Germany, Riesling is celebrated for its high acidity and vibrant flavour profile. It often features notes of citrus, orchard fruits, stone fruits and floral aromas. It is grown worldwide in regions including Australia’s Clare Valley and Eden Valley.
Riesling’s ability to thrive in different climates and with various winemaking techniques allows it to present a wide range of styles, from crisp and refreshing to rich and honeyed.
Where is Riesling wine from?
Riesling has its roots in Germany, where it is one of the most significant and widely grown grape varieties. Beyond Germany, it flourishes in wine regions across Australia, New Zealand, France and Austria, each offering a unique take on this versatile grape due to its distinct climate and landscape.
Germany
Germany is the birthplace of Riesling, where it thrives in regions like the Mosel, Rheingau and Pfalz.
With its steep, slate-filled slopes along the river, the Mosel Valley provides an ideal climate for Riesling. Cool temperatures help the grapes ripen slowly, allowing winemakers to produce wines with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Rheingau offers a slightly warmer climate, resulting in fuller-bodied Rieslings with pronounced fruit flavours. With its mild climate and diverse soils, Pfalz produces a wide range of Rieslings, from dry to sweet.
France
In France, Riesling is mainly grown in Alsace, a region known for its dry, aromatic white wines.
Alsace benefits from a sunny, dry climate, thanks to the shelter provided by the Vosges mountains. This allows the grapes to develop high sugar levels, producing intensely fragrant wines with citrus and stone fruits notes. Alsatian Rieslings are typically drier than their German counterparts.
Austria
Austria’s Riesling is mainly cultivated in the Wachau, Kamptal and Kremstal regions.
The Wachau, with its dramatic terraces along the Danube River, is famous for producing elegant and mineral-rich Rieslings. The climate, with warm days and cool nights, is perfect for preserving the grape’s natural acidity.
Austrian Rieslings are often dry, featuring vibrant citrus and floral notes with a distinct minerality.
Australia
Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys are key regions for Riesling production. Both areas are known for making dry Rieslings with crisp acidity and a refreshing finish.
The Clare Valley, with its cool nights and warm days, enhances the grape’s aromatic potential, resulting in wines bursting with lime and green apple flavours. Eden Valley’s higher altitude brings cooler temperatures, allowing for a more delicate, floral style of Riesling.
What does Riesling wine taste like?
Riesling is celebrated for its delightful, vibrant flavours and aromas. With its high acidity, this wine’s characteristics can vary widely depending on its origin and style.
For example, Australian Rieslings from the Clare and Eden Valleys burst with zesty lime and citrus, often with a hint of minerality. In Germany, particularly in the Mosel region, Rieslings often feature tart green apple and lime, balanced by a slight sweetness. Alsace Rieslings are typically drier with more pronounced stone fruit flavours like peach and apricot.
Riesling’s lively character makes it popular with wine lovers looking for something different. As the wine ages, it develops a unique petrol-like aroma that many enthusiasts consider a classic trait of the grape.
Some of the most common flavours to look for in your glass of Riesling include:
Green apple
Lime
Peach
Apricot
Pear
Nectarine
Pineapple
Lemon zest
Honey
Wet stone
Beeswax
Some of Riesling’s most common aroma notes include hints of florals and minerals, such as:
Citrus blossom
Honeysuckle
Jasmine
Slate
Petrol
Is Riesling a dry or sweet wine?
Riesling is wonderfully versatile, offering a range from dry to very sweet wines, appealing to all tastes. This flexibility makes it a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
Zesty, dry Rieslings with refreshing finishes are common in Australia, particularly in the Clare and Eden Valleys.
In Germany, Riesling comes in various styles, from bone-dry (labelled as trocken) to a dessert-like sweetness. In Alsace, France, Rieslings are typically dry, highlighting the grape’s natural acidity and vibrant fruit flavours.
Riesling’s sweetness level ultimately depends on the winemaking process and the region where it is made, so it’s always a good idea to check the label or ask your local wine expert for guidance depending on your preferences.
Riesling vs Chenin Blanc - what’s the difference?
Riesling and Chenin Blanc are versatile and vibrant but differ in origin and flavour. Riesling is made in Germany, Alsace, and Australia, where it showcases a light to medium body with crisp, refreshing acidity. It features lively citrus and stone fruit flavours like lime and green apple, enriched by floral notes and a unique petrol aroma as it ages.
Chenin Blanc comes from France’s Loire Valley and is also popular in South Africa. It offers a broader range, from light to full-bodied wines, often with a rich, waxy texture. Its flavours range from apple and pear to quince and honey, with aromas of chamomile and ginger. Both wines can be made in styles ranging from dry to sweet. However, Riesling’s high acidity balances its sweetness, particularly in cooler climates, while Chenin Blanc’s high acidity supports its versatility across different styles.
Riesling vs Gewürztraminer - what’s the difference?
Riesling and Gewürztraminer are aromatic powerhouses, but they offer distinct experiences.
Due to its high acidity, Riesling, grown in Germany, Alsace, and Australia, typically has a light to medium body with a crisp texture. It features citrus and stone fruit flavours like lime and peach, along with floral and sometimes petrol notes.
Gewürztraminer, mainly from Alsace but also found in Germany and parts of Italy, has a fuller body with an oily texture. It has bold flavours of lychee, rose petals and spicy ginger, with exotic floral aromas.
With its hallmark acidity, Riesling can range from bone-dry to sweet. Gewürztraminer often leans towards off-dry to sweet, with lower acidity offering a softer, rounder mouthfeel. This difference in acidity and body influences their pairing potentials, with Riesling being more versatile and Gewürztraminer complementing spicier, aromatic dishes.
How many calories are in a bottle of Riesling?
A bottle of Riesling wine (750ml) typically contains between 500 to 600 calories. The exact number can vary depending on the sweetness level of the Riesling.
Dry Rieslings tend to have fewer calories, averaging around 120-130 calories per glass (5 oz), while sweeter versions may have more due to their higher sugar content.
As always, these figures are approximations and can vary based on specific production methods and alcohol content.
What foods pair well with Riesling?
Thanks to its versatility and range of flavours, Riesling is a particularly exciting wine to pair with food.
Spicy dishes
Riesling’s natural acidity and often off-dry sweetness make it a perfect match for spicy foods.
The fruity notes of lime and peach found in Australian Rieslings enhance the complex flavours of these dishes, providing a refreshing contrast. It’s an excellent choice for spicy Thai, Szechuan, or Mexican cuisine.
Plus, the sweetness of a German Spätlese or Auslese can balance the heat in hot dishes, soothing the palate while complementing the spice.
Seafood
A dry Riesling from Alsace or Austria is an excellent choice for seafood like grilled fish or shellfish.
The high acidity and mineral notes of these wines complement the briny, delicate seafood flavours, making each bite even more enjoyable. Alsatian Rieslings, with their citrus and floral aromas, are especially good with dishes like seared scallops or smoked salmon.
Poultry and pork
Riesling’s versatility also shines with poultry and pork dishes.
A medium-dry German Kabinett or a dry Clare Valley Riesling pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. The wine’s acidity cuts through the meat’s richness, while its fruitiness complements the dish’s savoury elements.
Cheeses
When it comes to cheeses, Riesling is a reliable partner.
An off-dry Riesling pairs wonderfully with creamy, tangy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, its acidity balancing out the richness. For stronger, more pungent cheeses like blue cheese, a sweeter Riesling provides a wonderful contrast, highlighting the unique characteristics of both the wine and the cheese.
How do you serve Riesling wine?
Serve Riesling at the right temperature to bring out its vibrant flavours and aromas. Chill it to about 7-10°C for a refreshing taste. Use a white wine glass with a narrow bowl to focus the wine’s delicate aromas as you sip.
Sweeter styles of Riesling can be served slightly cooler to balance sweetness, while dry Rieslings can be slightly warmer to emphasise their crisp acidity. Allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes before serving can also enhance its complexity.
Does Riesling wine go off?
Improperly stored Riesling won’t taste its best.
Once opened, Riesling should be consumed within a few days to keep it fresh. Otherwise, it may oxidise and lose flavour and aroma, developing sour notes.
Unopened bottles should be stored horizontally in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature to prevent spoilage.
Over time, even well-stored Riesling can degrade, though high-quality bottles may age well for years, developing complex flavours. Always check for changes in smell and taste to see if the wine is still good before serving.
Can Riesling wine be used in cooking?
Yes, it can. Thanks to its range of flavours, Riesling is a fantastic choice for cooking. Its high acidity makes it ideal for deglazing pans, creating balanced sauces or adding depth to dishes like risotto or poached fruits.
Dry Rieslings are perfect for savoury dishes, giving poultry, seafood and pork flavour with their crisp citrus notes. Sweeter Rieslings can be used in desserts, adding a touch of fruitiness to poached pears or apple tarts.
When cooking, choose a Riesling you enjoy drinking on its own. Its quality will directly impact the flavour of your dish.
Which are the best Riesling wines?
Delatite Estate Riesling 2024
Delatite Estate Riesling 2024 is a bone-dry Riesling that is vegan-friendly and easy to drink. Made using organic and some biodynamic practices, this Aussie wine is heavy on citrus notes, with a soft honey hint and crisp, refreshing acidity.
Claymore Joshua Tree Clare Valley Riesling 2023
Claymore Joshua Tree Clare Valley Riesling 2023
Claymore Joshua Tree Clare Valley Riesling 2023 is a 95-pointer out of Australia’s Clare Valley. Expect a delicate texture and soft floral hint lifted by notes of crunchy green apple, lime zest and bitter lemon.
Moonlake Clare Valley Riesling 2024
Moonlake Clare Valley Riesling 2024
Delightfully fresh, this Clare Valley Riesling is brimming with bright lemon and crisp green apple notes. Thanks to its well-balanced style, Moonlake Clare Valley Riesling 2024 is a must-serve with simple white fish dishes or Thai fishcakes.
Claymore Birdhouse In Your Soul Clare Valley Rosé 2023
Claymore Birdhouse In Your Soul Clare Valley Rosé 2023
This is a beautiful rosé Riesling. A bright, blushing wine, Claymore Birdhouse In Your Soul Clare Valley Rosé 2023 is full of summery flavours – watermelon, strawberry, Gala apple and lemon zest. A must-sip on a lazy summer’s afternoon.
Pikes Traditionale Clare Valley Riesling 2023
Pikes Traditionale Clare Valley Riesling 2023
This high-quality wine comes from one of Clare Valley’s most reliable wine estates. Refined, refreshing and well-balanced, Pikes Traditionale Clare Valley Riesling 2023 is a young, dry white with notes reminiscent of key lime pie.
