Riesling

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Overview

Riesling is a light-skinned aromatic grape variety, which is thought to, better than most other grape varieties, be able to express the terroir in which it was grown. Riesling ripens early, and as such tends to perform best in cooler climates. Generally, Riesling produces wines which are light to medium in alcohol and body, with a characteristic perfume, high natural racy acidity, and which are capable of ageing for decades. A range of styles are prod. . . Read More >

Overview

Germany is arguably Riesling’s home country and most famous origin. Around a third of Germany’s Riesling grows in the Mosel region, which is followed closely by Pfalz and Rheingau. France’s Alsace – on the other side of the Rhine River from Mosel – is another famous origin for the grape variety, and which tends to produce riper more textural wines, which for the most part are dry. Austria’s Kamptal and Wachau regions produce mineral and medium- to full-bodied styles of Riesling, Kamptal often with a floral touch and a green stonefruit theme, whereas Wachau can be more hedonistic and tropical in expression.

Finally, the Clare and Eden Valleys in South Australia has made a name for itself as a producer of austere, smoky, and highly structured Rieslings since the late 1990s.

Typical Blends and Winemaking

Riesling is mostly unblended and produced as 100% varietal wine. It is often fermented at mid to cooler temperatures, and without any malolactic fermentation, to preserve the racy acidity and crisp fruit flavours.

Inert vessels for fermentation and ageing are the norm, whether large, seasoned oak barrels, concrete, or stainless steel, to conserve Riesling’s primary and mineral expression.

Riesling (100%)

Typical aromas and flavours

Lime, lemon, green apple, beeswax, jasmine, blossom, lanolin, honey, kerosene.

Food matching

Dry Riesling with a medium to full body and searing acidity tends to go well with most fish including smoked, grilled, fried, marinated, with a variety of creamy sauces, and raw as for sashimi, sushi, crab and prawns; while also being a great partner for some flavourful cuisines such as Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and Mexican food. Off-dry Rieslings pairs well with spicy food, as well as a variety of Asian salads, but also creamy goat’s cheese, and desserts like “eton mess” and lemon meringue tart.

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