Riesling Wine: A Complete Guide to This Popular German Wine

Mar 21, 2025

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Riesling wine is often misunderstood. While wine experts often place it at the top of the wine hierarchy, many consumers say they don’t like Riesling wine, often because they believe it’s cloyingly sweet. This guide to Riesling wine provides a complete overview, starting with debunking the myth that Riesling white wine is always produced in a sweet style

What is Riesling?

15th century accounts refer to Riesling meaning either “Russling,” a dark wood, or “Rissling” that signifies poor blossoming - a reference to the vine's inferior flowering during harsh weather. The Oxford Companion to Wine says that Riesling “could claim to be the finest white grape variety in the world on the basis of the longevity of its wines and their ability to transmit the characteristics of a vineyard without losing Riesling’s own inimitable style.”

Origin of Riesling

What do you know about the Riesling origin? It comes from the Rhine and Mosel river regions of Germany. The first reference to Riesling vineyards was in 1435.

Characteristics of Riesling Wine

Riesling is a grape variety known for its vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity. Let’s learn about riesling wine aroma and flavors and about its acidity and aging potential.

Aromas and Flavors

The most characteristic features of this white variety are its fruity and floral aromas. Riesling is a highly aromatic wine. Notes of peach, green or red apple, pear, grapefruit, jasmine, roses, lemon peel, ginger, and honey, along with a distinctive petroleum scent (especially in aged examples), are commonly found in Riesling wines.

Acidity and Aging Potential

On the palate, its high acidity (similar to orange juice or lemonade), combined with its significant ability to accumulate sugar, allows Riesling to produce incredibly juicy wines with a sweet finish.

Another key characteristic is its aging potential. Some Rieslings can be stored for up to 30 years, evolving beautifully and developing exquisite complexity.

Types of Riesling

The types of riesling wine are divided by their sweetness level. There are 6 types of riesling wine - dry, dry to off-dry, sweet, sweeter, very sweet, and super sweet. Riesling wines are made at all sweetness levels, in Europe, in the United States, and elsewhere, even in Chile. You will see that Dry Rieslings are increasingly common, but the fantastic sweet Riesling wines will never lose their appeal. Semi-dry styles can prove excellent pairings for spicy foods.

Types of Riesling Wine Based on Sweetness Levels

German wine regulations define several levels of residual sugar, which can be helpful information when you order Riesling delivery:

Kabinett: The lightest Riesling style (67–82 Oechsle, 148–188 g/L sugar), ranging from dry to off-dry.
Spätlese: "Late harvest" Riesling (76–90 Oechsle, 172–209 g/L sugar), richer and usually sweeter than Kabinett, though "Trocken" indicates a dry, higher-alcohol version.
Auslese: "Select harvest" Riesling (83–110 Oechsle, 191–260 g/L sugar), hand-picked, often affected by noble rot; can be sweet or bold and high in alcohol if labeled "Trocken."
Beerenauslese: "Berry select harvest" (110–128 Oechsle, 260+ g/L sugar), rare dessert wines made from noble rot-affected, raisinated grapes, typically sold in half-bottles.
Trockenbeerenauslese: The rarest style ("dry berry select harvest"), made from dried, raisinated grapes (150–154 Oechsle), producing intensely sweet wines.
Eiswein: True ice wine, made from grapes frozen on the vine and pressed while frozen (110–128 Oechsle, 260+ g/L sugar), yielding intensely concentrated sweetness.

Choosing Between Sweet and Dry Riesling

The answer will depend on your personal preference and the occasion for serving the wine. When you buy Riesling wine, consider trying one dry wine, one semi-dry, and one sweet! Maybe order one from Alsace, one from the Rhine, and one from New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Regional Differences in Riesling

In colder countries like Germany, residual sugar is often left in the wine to balance the grape's pronounced acidity, resulting in sweeter styles. In Alsace, located in northern France, where the climate is warmer than in Germany, Riesling wines tend to be more alcoholic and riper. While Rieslings from France and Austria typically have a drier profile, all these countries produce both sweet and dry styles. Reading the label is the best way to determine the type of wine.

Riesling is also cultivated in the New World. This variety thrives in the cool climate of Marlborough Valley in New Zealand, as well as in the fresher valleys of Clare and Eden in southern Australia. In Chile, Riesling is grown in the Rapel, Curicó, and Maule Valleys. While varietal Riesling wines are less common in Chile, the grape is frequently used for late-harvest wine production.

Riesling has thin skin, making it susceptible to Botrytis cinerea, a noble fungus that affects overripe grapes, increasing their sweetness and enhancing their aromatic complexity. This is why Riesling is one of the most popular varieties for producing sweet wines.

Food Pairing with Riesling Wine

Thanks to its complexity and remarkable aging potential, Riesling is a favorite among wine collectors. If you're thinking about opening a bottle for dinner, the good news is that this variety is highly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its bright acidity, low alcohol content, and varying levels of sweetness make it a perfect match for a wide range of dishes.

Best Food Pairings for Riesling

In general, Riesling pairs exceptionally well with citrus-forward dishes featuring ingredients like lemon or lemongrass. It complements everything from ceviche to salads and pairs particularly well with the characteristic flavors of Asian cuisine.

Dry Riesling: The best pairings include fish- and seafood-based dishes.
Semi-dry Riesling: Ideal for slightly spicy or sweet dishes, such as Indian or Thai curries.
Sweet Riesling: Best saved for dessert or a cheese board.

Conclusion

Riesling is a fascinating and versatile wine that offers something for everyone, whether you prefer bone-dry styles or lusciously sweet dessert wines. Its ability to reflect terroir, combined with its vibrant acidity and remarkable aging potential, makes it one of the most celebrated white wine varieties in the world. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to Riesling, exploring different styles and regions will deepen your appreciation for this exceptional grape.

We hope you enjoyed learning about Riesling. Bottle Barn has an ample selection of hand-curated Riesling wines, in all styles, to choose from. If you have a question before you order Riesling for delivery, never hesitate to contact us!

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