Riesling

Riesling wine is a versatile and highly prized grape variety that is used to make some of the world's finest white wines. Originating in Germany, Riesling is now grown in many countries around the world, including Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States.

German Wines

Tasting Profile

Riesling wines are a green-skinned grape variety that is known for its high acidity and delicate fruit flavors. The wine it produces is usually light-bodied, with a crisp, refreshing taste and a fragrant aroma. Riesling is highly versatile and can be made into a wide range of styles, from sweet dessert wines to dry, crisp table wines.

One of the key characteristics of Riesling is its high acidity. This makes it an ideal wine to pair with a variety of foods, especially spicy dishes, as it helps to cut through the heat and balance the flavors. The high acidity also helps to preserve the wine, giving it a long lifespan and making it an ideal choice for aging.

Notes

Riesling is also known for its unique flavor profile, which can range from fruit-forward, with notes of green apples, peaches, and pears, to more complex and nuanced, with hints of minerality, honey, and petrol. The flavor profile is shaped by a number of factors, including the terroir, the winemaking techniques used, and the level of sweetness in the wine.

Riesling Types

Riesling is typically made in one of three styles: dry, off-dry, or sweet. Dry Riesling is characterized by its crisp acidity and a complete absence of residual sugar. Off-dry Riesling has some residual sugar, which balances the acidity and gives the wine a more rounded flavor. Sweet Riesling is made using grapes that have been allowed to hang on the vine longer, giving the wine a rich, intense flavor profile.

Aging Riesling grapes

One of the key advantages of Riesling is its ability to age well. With proper storage, Riesling can age for many years, developing complex and nuanced flavors that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. Some of the world's finest Rieslings are made from grapes grown in Germany's Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz regions, where the wine is prized for its balance, elegance, and minerality.

In conclusion, Riesling wine is a highly prized grape variety that is used to make some of the world's finest white wines. With its high acidity, versatile flavor profile, and ability to age well, Riesling is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of white wine. Whether you prefer a crisp and refreshing dry Riesling wines, a balanced off-dry Riesling, or a rich and intense sweet Riesling, there is a Riesling out there to suit every taste and occasion.

Alsace Riesling

Riesling is one of the most important grape varieties grown in Alsace, a wine-producing region in northeastern France. Alsace is known for producing high-quality, aromatic white wines, and Riesling is one of the flagship grape varieties of the region.

Riesling wines from Alsace are characterized by their bright acidity, floral aromas, and a balanced sweetness that makes them ideal for pairing with a variety of foods. Unlike the lean, crisp Rieslings from Germany, Alsatian Rieslings tend to be full-bodied and rich, with a broad palate that makes them ideal for sipping on their own or for serving with hearty dishes such as roast pork or goose.

One of the key factors that sets Alsatian Rieslings apart from those from other regions is the growing conditions in Alsace. The region's cool climate and chalky soils produce grapes that are high in acidity, which contributes to the bright and crisp character of the wine. In addition, Alsatian winemakers often ferment the wine in stainless steel tanks, which helps to preserve the wine's fresh, fruity aromas and flavors.

Alsace is also known for producing a wide range of Riesling styles, from dry to sweet. The region's dry Rieslings are crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity and notes of green apple, citrus, and minerality. Off-dry Rieslings are often made using grapes that are harvested slightly later in the season, which gives the wine a touch of residual sugar and a more rounded, balanced flavor. Sweet Riesling is also produced in Alsace, usually by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine until they are affected by noble rot, a beneficial mold that concentrates the sugar in the grapes.

Riesling from Alsace is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of white wine. With its bright acidity, rich flavor profile, and versatility, Alsatian Riesling is a wine that is perfect for a variety of occasions and food pairings. Whether you are looking for a crisp and refreshing wine to enjoy on its own or a rich, full-bodied wine to pair with a hearty meal, there is an Alsatian Riesling out there to suit your tastes.