Riesling
TL; DR
Riesling is the best white grape in the world.
That got your attention didn't it. Seriously though, Riesling rules.
So, what is it?--red
Queen of precision, delicacy, and purity, Riesling is one of the few varieties that's as well known for world-class sweet wines as for bone dry. Generally light in body but intense in flavour, the acidity of the wine is the giveaway - they etch themselves onto your palate and into your mind.
Where does it come from?--aromatic
It originated in the Rhine Valley in Germany, and is named from the German word rissling meaning 'cutting', in reference to the force needed to remove Riesling bunches from the vine!
Main regions in Germany are the Mosel Valley, Rheinhessen, Rheingau and Pfalz. Across the border in France, Alsace produces some stunning rieslings, as does southern neighbour Austria.
Closer to home great Riesling is grown in the Clare & Eden Valleys in South Australia, Mt Barker in WA and the Great Western in Victoria.
The USA and NZ also make some delicious examples.
Who's famous for it?--racy
Riesling showcases diverse styles across the globe, each region adding its own touch of fame. In France’s Alsace, Riesling is renowned for being typically dry and full-bodied with intense citrus, peach, and floral notes, along with signature minerality and exceptional aging potential.
Austria’s Wachau and Kamptal regions are famous for producing dry, medium-bodied Rieslings with bright acidity and flavors of green apple, apricot, and a hint of spice, making them fresh and lively.
Australia’s Clare Valley and Western Victoria are celebrated for their bone-dry Rieslings with high acidity and flavors of lime, lemon zest, and green apple. These wines often develop a distinctive touch of petrol as they age, adding a quirky twist to their crisp profile.
In the USA, the Finger Lakes region is known for bright and acidic Rieslings with green apple, pear, and citrus notes, while Columbia Valley is famous for its diverse styles, from rich and luscious with peach and honey to sleek and mineral-driven.
New Zealand’s Nelson and Wairarapa regions are on the map for their vibrant, aromatic Rieslings with lime, citrus, and white flower notes. These wines range from dry to off-dry, making them perfect for food pairings.
Each of these regions brings its own star quality to Riesling, making it a truly global celebrity in the wine world.
What does it taste like?--lemon
As mentioned, so versatile! Dry wines are all about the citrus, from grapefruit to mandarin and back again. White peach also pops up a lot. The sweeter styles can show off apricot, pineapple, honey, guava, jasmine, ginger....the list is endless! The sweeter wines especially are super complex, with plenty of flavour.
Sadly these styles are mostly misunderstood, due to the mass production of pretty average versions made in the late ’80s and early 90’s. Today, however, Riesling has far overcome this poor reputation and claims some of the most honourable seats in the most coveted wine collections of the world!
Main styles it's known for?--cellar
Easily broken down into dry, off-dry (a bit sweet) and sweet.
Australia & Austria go mostly for the bone-dry style, France and NZ flirt with a touch of sweetness, and Germany does the full range
What foods should you be pairing it with?--plum
Riesling is a versatile food-pairing superstar. In Germany and Alsace, it’s famously paired with pork. The gentle fruitiness and acidity of Riesling cut through the fattiness of sausages, roasted pork, and charcuterie beautifully.
Seafood is another excellent partner for Riesling. Its bright acidity and crisp flavours complement nearly all types of seafood, from delicate fish fillets to rich, buttery shellfish. Grilled shrimp, scallops, and sushi are especially enhanced by Riesling.
Wines with a touch of sweetness are particularly magical with spicy foods. Classic Thai and Szechuan cuisine, with their bold spices and heat, finds a perfect balance with the slight sweetness and high acidity of Riesling, cooling the palate while enhancing the complex flavours.
For cheese lovers, Riesling pairs wonderfully with creamy, tangy cheeses like goat cheese, cutting through the richness and creating a harmonious flavour experience.
Fun fact--earth
Riesling ages very well, thanks to its high acidity. With age, some bottles develop a 'lamp oil' or petroleum characteristic. In Australia, the older wines can often smell of Bickford's Lime Cordial!