Riesling is one of the world’s most versatile and aromatic wines, prized for its vivid citrus blossom, Meyer lemon, and honeysuckle notes balanced by bright, mouthwatering acidity.
From the steep, slate-rich Mosel Riesling vineyards of Germany to the cool‐climate Eden Valley in Australia, this grape variety—known as the “queen of white” in wine enthusiast circles—can express everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet ice wine.
Whether you’re curious about German Riesling’s storied origins, exploring New World off-dry styles, or seeking the perfect food pairing, this guide will help you navigate the spectrum of high-quality Riesling wines and understand what makes each style unique.
In this definitive guide, you’ll find:
What Is Riesling?
Riesling is an ancient grape variety celebrated around the world for its vivid aromatics, racy acidity, and remarkable versatility. As one of the great white wines, Riesling exhibits hallmark notes of citrus blossom, Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, and green apple, balanced by high acidity that keeps the palate fresh. Whether bone dry or lusciously sweet, Riesling’s sugar levels range from off-dry to ice wine, creating a spectrum of styles that intrigue wine enthusiasts.
True to its German roots—the name “Riesling” likely stems from the Middle High German word for “rising”—this aromatic wine offers an elegant expression of terroir, from the steep slate slopes of Mosel to the cool-climate vineyards of Australia’s Eden Valley. In warmer climates, Riesling can produce riper tropical fruit and peach-like aromas, while in cooler sites it reveals more citrus and green pear. The grape’s inherently high acidity and floral perfume make it a favorite among many producers and consumers alike.
Origin & Grape Characteristics
Riesling’s storied history stretches back centuries along the Rhine River in Germany. Documents from Johannisberg—Europe’s first formally recognized Riesling vineyard—date to the 15th century. From there, the variety spread to the Rhine’s tributaries, giving rise to Mosel Riesling with its delicate Kabinett sweetness and the more structured Rhine styles. Mutations like Roter Riesling and lesser-known Riesling Italico further showcase the grape’s genetic diversity.
Riesling vines thrive on steep, rocky slopes where roots delve into mineral-rich soils, drawing out unique minerality and tension. The grape’s high acidity—often exceeding 7 g/L—provides the backbone for both bone dry and lusciously sweet wines. Stainless steel tanks are commonly used to preserve pure fruit and acidity, resulting in wines with a crisp, transparent character. Across all regions, Riesling’s small, thick-skinned grapes deliver intense juice, making them ideal for late-harvest and icewine production.
Key Riesling Regions
Riesling’s adaptability shines in diverse terroirs—from the steep terraces of Germany to the sun-kissed valleys of Washington State.
German Riesling – Mosel & Rhine
In Germany, Mosel Riesling reigns supreme. Its vineyards perch on slate-laden hills where morning fog and afternoon sun create ideal ripening conditions. Mosel Riesling often carries light residual sugar—Kabinett or Spätlese levels—that balances citrus and green-apple flavors with racy acidity.
Downriver, Rhine Riesling from Pfalz and Rheingau delivers richer, fuller-bodied styles with notes of apricot, tropical fruits, and honey. Producers like Dr. Loosen and Maximin Grünhaus showcase how terroir influences mineral intensity, with cool nights preserving acidity and extending the harvest season for sweeter-end wines.
Alsace & Johannisberg Riesling
Crossing into France, Alsatian Riesling emerges dryer—often bone dry—thanks to stainless-steel fermentation and extended aging on lees. Alsace’s granite and limestone soils lend Riesling a pronounced earthy minerality and crisp lemon citrus. Labels like Trimbach’s Clos Sainte Hune exemplify high-quality expressions with a seamless balance between fruit, acidity, and finish.
New World Riesling – Eden Valley & Washington State
In Australia’s Eden Valley and Clare Valley, cooler climates yield wines with pronounced lime, grapefruit, and tropical fruit aromas. Eden Valley Riesling—often called “Australian Riesling”—ranges from bone dry to semi-sweet, with some producers leaving a touch of residual sugar to balance high acidity.
Across the Pacific in Washington State, wineries like Chateau Ste. Michelle in the Columbia Valley produce elegant off-dry Riesling with notes of pear, peach, and honeydew. Here, harsh winters enable ice wine and icewine styles, capturing concentrated sugar and acidity for long-finish dessert wines.
Chinese Riesling – Ningxia & Shandong
Building on Old- and New-World successes, China has quietly become a noteworthy Riesling region. Vineyards on the northern slopes of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia and the coastal hills of eastern Shandong benefit from cool nights and ample sunshine—ideal for preserving Riesling’s signature high acidity and bright aromatics.
Chinese Riesling often opens with vivid grapefruit, Meyer lemon, and green pear notes, underscored by wet-stone minerality from granite and limestone soils. Many winemakers ferment in stainless steel to emphasize pure fruit, then age a portion on fine lees to add subtle texture. Off-dry to medium-sweet styles are most common, balancing residual sugar and zesty acidity—perfect for pairing with spicy Sichuan dishes, fresh Cantonese seafood, or lightly sweet dim sum.
Riesling Styles from Dry to Ice Wine
Riesling’s flexibility shines across a sweetness spectrum, from bone-dry to luscious ice wine. Understanding these styles helps you select the perfect bottle.
Dry & Bone Dry Riesling
At the driest end, bone-dry Riesling undergoes complete fermentation in stainless-steel tanks, retaining no residual sugar. These wines—often labeled “Trocken” in Germany—showcase razor-sharp acidity, citrus zest, and stony minerality. The cool climate and slower sugar accumulation allow for full ripeness without excessive alcohol, resulting in a clean, lean palate ideal for pairing with seafood, pork, or light appetizers.
Off-Dry & Semi-Sweet Riesling
Many producers favor an off-dry style that treads the line between bone dry and sweet. Known as “Halbtrocken,” these wines marry fresh citrus and stone-fruit flavors with a hint of sweetness that softens acidity. Semi-sweet Riesling can exhibit white peach, apricot, and honey notes, making it a versatile companion to spicy dishes, rich cheeses, and fruit-driven desserts.
Sweet Riesling & Ice Wine
On the sweeter end, Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, and Beerenauslese levels capture increasing sugar and concentration. These late-harvest or noble-rot-affected grapes yield succulent wines with honey, marmalade, and dried apricot character. Ice wine—produced in Germany, Canada, and Washington’s frozen vineyards—freezes grapes on the vine to concentrate juice, creating intensely sweet Riesling with balanced acidity and a long, lingering finish.
Aromas & Flavor Profile
Riesling’s signature aromas are unmistakable. Citrus notes—grapefruit, lemon, lime—sit alongside tropical fruits like pineapple and passionfruit in warmer sites. Floral hints of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and jasmine add complexity.
In cooler climates, green apple and pear shine, while slight “petrol” or “diesel” aromas emerge with age. High acidity provides a refreshing backbone, while moderate alcohol (often 9–12% ABV) ensures balance. Aromatic wine lovers appreciate Riesling’s clarity of fruit and the interplay of sweetness, acidity, and minerality that delivers a clean, long finish.
Food Pairing with Riesling
Riesling’s acidity and sugar range make it one of the most food-friendly wines:
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Dry Riesling cuts through fatty seafood and sushi.
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Off-Dry & Semi-Sweet Styles tame the heat of spicy Asian dishes—Thai curries, Szechuan pork, or Indian vindaloo.
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Medium-Bodied Off-Dry pairs beautifully with rich pork dishes, roasted duck, and glazed ham.
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Sweet Riesling & Icewine shine alongside fruit-based desserts, apricot tart, or a cheese board with ripe, salty cheeses.
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Salty, Umami-Rich Foods—prosciutto, fried chicken, or salted nuts—also benefit from Riesling’s citrus and peach notes.
Serving & Storage Tips
To enjoy Riesling at its best:
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Storage: Keep bottles on their side in a cool wine cellar or refrigerator to preserve freshness.
Enjoy Riesling on Your Own Terms With Coravin
When exploring multiple Rieslings—perhaps a crisp, bone-dry Mosel alongside a lusciously sweet Spätlese—the Coravin Timeless+ Series and Pivot+™ Wine by-the-Glass Systems give you the freedom to enjoy perfect single glasses without committing the full bottle.
The Timeless+ Series allows you to pour without ever removing the cork, leaving the remaining wine completely unaffected, while the Pivot+™ replaces the bottle’s closure with a Stopper that keeps the rest fresh for up to 4 weeks. Both systems feature optional aerators that deliver the equivalent of hours of decanting in just seconds, ensuring every glass tastes its absolute best.
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Top Riesling Wines & Producers
Must-try producers include Germany’s Dr. Loosen, Dönnhoff, and Joh. Jos. Prüm for Mosel and Rhine classics; Alsace’s Trimbach and Zind-Humbrecht for bone dry terroir-driven styles; Australia’s Pewsey Vale and Henschke in Eden Valley; and Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle and Pacific Rim for off-dry and icewine expressions. Seek out single-vineyard bottlings to explore true terroir differences.
The Last Word
Whether you’re a lifelong Riesling aficionado or a newcomer, this grape offers a world of discovery. From the steep Mosel terraces to the cool Eden Valleys, Riesling captivates with its balance of sweetness and acidity, its kaleidoscope of aromas, and its uncanny ability to harmonize with food.
By understanding the styles—dry, off-dry, and sweet—you can select the perfect bottle for any occasion. Explore high-quality Riesling wines from both Old and New World producers, and savor each sip of this exceptional aromatic wine.