Riesling is one of the noble grapes, but it often has a bit of a stigma of being only for sweet wines. However, this simply isn’t true, and there is so much to discover whether it is dry or sweet Riesling. In this Riesling wine guide, we unpack everything you need to know about this white grape variety. From origins to food pairings, let’s dive into why Riesling is often called the ‘king of grapes’ in its home of Germany.
Riesling wine guide
Riesling produces white wines of unparalleled depth and presence, and some of the only white wines that get better with age. The taste profile differs substantially from super sweet to super dry, which is largely determined by the terroir, or the area where the grapes are grown. It is planted in most wine-producing countries as well, being the 20th most widely planted grape variety in the world, so you can get a great range of flavour.
Origins
Riesling was born in the Rhine wine region in Germany. The first reference of the wine was in 1435 in a storage inventory of the high noble court. The wine was preferred by the German nobility, and they transported it across the world throughout their conquests and business across Europe.
The grape is derived from Gouais Blanc, a French grape which has tied to Chardonnay, Petit Verdot and Chenin Blanc as well.
In Australia, Riesling came in 1817 when vines were imported by John Macarthur and in 1833 by James Busy. It was first planted in the Barossa and later expanded to the Pewsey Valley, one of Australia’s first high-altitude, cool-climate vineyards. It then was brought to the Eden Valley, which is still a big home for Riesling today.
In the 1970s, many white wines containing a mix of grapes were mislabelled as Rieslings, as consumers weren’t aware of the quality of individual grape varietals – going off names of wines instead. These styles of wines were often in casks and were sickly sweet. However, consumer perception has changed as more fresh and vibrant styles that are dry have proven this wrong, offering wines that shake off the sweet wine image.
Flavour profile
Riesling is incredibly aromatic, so gives a lot of flavours to unpack. The primary aromas are very fruit-driven with nectarine, apricot, apple and pear. You’ll also get honeycomb, jasmine or lime. In some Riesling, you’ll also smell something similar to petrol. Don’t freak out, this is just a natural compound called TDN. On the palate, Riesling has very high acidity.
Riesling wines are both dry and sweet. The flavours will depend on where the grapes come from and how ripe they were when they were harvested. Generally, Riesling from cooler climates is softer and more delicate, while in warmer climates Riesling offers punchier citrus and fruit flavours.
Where you’ll find it
Most of the Riesling in the world comes from Germany, which is home to 60% of the world’s Riesling vines. Australia is the second-largest producer of Riesling, however, it is just the 8th most grown grape. There are a few regions to keep an eye out for when looking for Australian Riesling:
- Clare Valley – This is where you’ll find the majority of Rieslings. The wines from here have intense flavour and longevity. With many sub climates, wines from here can be delicate, or more citrus-driven from warmer areas.
- Eden Valley – These wines are usually more floral and lighter-bodied than those from the Clare Valley. They are great for ageing.
- Tasmania – This cool climate provides the ideal spot for producing finely structured Rieslings.
- Western Australia – In the regions of Albany, Frankland River and Mount Barker you’ll find Rieslings that are spicy, floral and full of citrus flavour
Internationally, Riesling is mainly grown in Germany and Alsace. However, you can also find it in New Zealand, Austria, Croatia, northern Italy and the US.
What to look for
Traditional Riesling tends to be on the sweeter side to balance the acidity of the wine. However, there are plenty of Dry style Rieslings if you know where to look which are leaner-tasting wines:
- Dry Riesling – “Trocken” German Riesling, Alsace, Washington State and New York Riesling, and Australian Riesling
- Sweet Riesling – German Pradikat Riesling and Riesling labelled “sweet” or “feinherb”
The best quality Australia Rieslings come from cool regions with extended seasons and cool nights. These help to concentrate the flavours and increase the acidity.
If you are after fruity flavours, look for a young Riesling. Bottle age softens the acidity and helps the wine develop complex toasty and honey characteristics.
Cellaring and price
So can you cellar Riesling? Well, this Riesling wine guide has got the answer for you! Although not many white wines are meant to be cellared, Riesling, like Chardonnay, can be an exception. Riesling has high levels of acidity and a compound inside the grape called TDN. This means that some Riesling wines can be aged for decades! You can often pick these out because they will have an aroma of petrol. I know this sounds weird. But apparently, this is how you tell a high-quality Riesling apart! So look out for it the next time you are sipping on one.
Some Riesling will age better than others. For dry Riesling, you’re looking at 15 years, but for sweet Riesling, you can easily cellar them for over 30 years!
Like all wines, Riesling will come in all price brackets – so there is something for everyone. However, Riesling is also some of the most expensive wine in the world – with some dessert wines fetching multiple thousands of dollars per half bottle! For the everyday drinker, just focus on your regions to pick sweet from dry, rather than cost! You’ll be able to get a decent Riesling to drink now for a decent price no problem!
What to pair it with
This Riesling wine guide would not be complete without sharing the best food to enjoy with it! With its high acidity, Riesling is a great food wine. But it is matched even more perfectly with spicy food! It is one of the only wines that will calm your palate after a hot meal, due to its acidity and sweetness.
For a crisp, dry Riesling, look for fish, shellfish and crustaceans. You can also pair it with strong, spicy food such as Indian curries. Sweeter riesling goes perfectly with soft cheeses and pate. The sweetness cuts through the fat perfectly. Asian dishes also respond well to Riesling. If you are into dessert, Riesling is a great option! You can also get plenty of Riesling dessert wines, however, the wine itself is a great pair to fresh fruit salads or sponges.
In summary: Riesling wine guide
Although Riesling may be recovering from a bit of a sweet stigma in Australia, some of the incredibly high-quality wines you can now get are absolutely perfect for pairing with your next meal. The wines are exciting, versatile and full of character – everything you’d want from white wine. So next time you’re in the bottle shop, don’t discount the Riesling. It might just be the crisp and refreshing wine you’ve been looking for!