Vineyard of Riesling, a variety or caste of white grape originating in the Rhine region of Germany.

A BIT OF HISTORY

The first documented mention of the Riesling grape dates back to 1435 in Germany, specifically in the Rhine region. Since then, it has been cultivated and perfected, eventually becoming the flagship variety of German white wines. Due to its resistance to cold climates and its remarkable ability to express the soil’s minerality, Riesling naturally became a preferred choice for Central European wine regions. Over the centuries, producers have developed a wide range of Riesling styles, from the driest and most elegant to the lusciously sweet and long-lived.

GRAPE AND WINE CHARACTERISTICS

Riesling is an aromatic variety known for its pronounced natural acidity, which grants it excellent aging potential. When poured into a glass, its aromas can include floral notes, citrus (such as lemon and lime), and stone fruits (like peach and apricot). Additionally, in some cases, more mature wines develop intriguing mineral and petrol-like nuances. Importantly, its profile varies significantly depending on terroir and winemaking techniques, resulting in wines that range from crisp and dry to rich and sweet.

Unlike many other white wines, Riesling does not fare well with oak aging, making it rare to find versions matured in barrels. Instead, thanks to its high acidity, Riesling wines can be stored for several years, during which they develop deeper complexity while maintaining their freshness. This unique balance compensates for their generally low alcohol content and moderate residual sugar.

NOTABLE WINE REGIONS

GERMANY: THE BIRTHPLACE OF RIESLING

Germany is the flagship country for Riesling, with regions such as Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz producing some of the world’s finest examples. Here, the cool climate and slate soils create wines with vibrant acidity and unparalleled complexity. Notably, German Riesling spans a broad spectrum, from dry and structured styles to the legendary Trockenbeerenauslese—an ultra-sweet and rare delicacy.

Furthermore, Germany is renowned for producing the famous Eiswein, or ice wine, which is one of the most extreme and valued expressions of Riesling. This extraordinary wine is made from grapes harvested while frozen on the vine, concentrating their sugars and acidity to create a sweet yet vibrantly fresh wine.

ALSACE: ELEGANCE AND EXPRESSION

In France, the Alsace region is synonymous with high-quality Riesling. Thanks to a drier climate than Germany and an impressive diversity of soils, Alsatian Rieslings tend to be more structured and have a higher alcohol content. While dry styles dominate, these wines exhibit exceptional aromatic intensity and minerality. Particularly, Grand Cru Rieslings from Alsace offer some of the most sublime expressions of the grape.

Beyond Germany and France, other notable Riesling-producing regions include Austria, Australia (especially Clare and Eden Valleys), and the United States (notably Washington and New York). Each of these regions contributes a unique twist to Riesling’s already diverse identity.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

Riesling is an incredibly versatile wine when it comes to food pairings. Its refreshing acidity and ability to balance sweetness with structure make it an excellent companion for a wide range of dishes. Some outstanding pairings include:

• Fatty Foods: Dishes such as roasted pork, duck confit, or salmon find an ideal match in Riesling, as its acidity cuts through the fat and balances the palate.
• Asian Cuisine: Thanks to its slightly sweet dishes, such as Thai curries or sweet-and-sour Chinese food.
• Cheese: Riesling complements a variety of cheeses, from fresh options like goat cheese to stronger selections such as Munster or Roquefort. This pairing becomes especially remarkable when enjoyed with a sweet Riesling.
• Seafood and Fish: The freshness and minerality of Riesling enhance the flavors of oysters, shrimp, and ceviche, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers.

ICONIC RIESLING WINES

Some legendary Rieslings wines that every wine lover should try include:

• Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany): One of the most prestigious and expensive sweet wines in the world.
• Trimbach Clos Sainte Hune (Alsace): A dry Riesling with exceptional longevity and complexity.
• Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese (Germany): A wine that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity.

A FUN FACT

In the 18th century, German monks accidentally discovered that late-harvested Riesling affected by “noble rot” (Botrytis cinerea) resulted in wines of exceptional sweetness and quality. This practice, which initially began as an oversight, led to the creation of some of the world’s most valuable dessert wines, such as Trockenbeerenauslese.:

CONCLUSION

Riesling is truly a gem in the wine world, offering a diversity of styles that make it both accessible and fascinating for any wine lover. Whether in its dry and mineral form or its sweeter and more complex expressions, Riesling consistently provides a unique sensory experience. If you haven’t yet explored this exceptional grape in depth, now is the perfect time to discover its magic and find your ideal pairing.

One could argue that Riesling is the best white grape variety in the world—not only because of the longevity of its wines but also due to its ability to convey the characteristics of a vineyard while maintaining the inimitable style that defines Riesling.