RIESLING

Riesling, a white grape variety, originates from the Rhine region in Germany but is now grown in many parts of the world. This versatile grape creates a wide range of wines, including dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling whites.

Riesling is renowned for its aromatic qualities and ability to showcase the unique characteristics of the region where it is grown. It can have a wide range of aromas, including floral, fruity and mineral notes. The acidity level of Riesling wines can vary greatly, from vibrant in dry wines to very sweet in dessert wines.

Riesling grapes are grown successfully in many regions around the world, particularly in cooler climates and on steep slopes with slate-rich soil that retains heat and aids in grape ripening. Among these regions, the heartland of Riesling is the Rhine region of Germany, particularly the Mosel Valley, Rheingau, Pfalz and Nahe. Germany is renowned for its high-quality Rieslings, which range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.

Alsace, located on France’s eastern border, is another historically significant region for Riesling. Alsatian Rieslings are typically dry, full-bodied and aromatic.

In Australia, Clare Valley and Eden Valley are known for their dry Rieslings, which have high acidity and pronounced citrus and mineral notes.

In New Zealand’s Marlborough and Central Otago regions, Rieslings can vary from dry to sweet, often with vibrant citrus flavours.

Riesling can be found in parts of Austria, Canada, and even the Finger Lakes region of New York, USA.

Few grapes can claim to produce wines ranging from bone-dry to syrupy sweet without losing their distinctive character. Wine fans love it because it can be turned into a fresh summer drink, a rich dessert wine, or even a sweet wine made from frozen grapes called ice wine.

This grape keeps its tartness, which helps balance the sweetness in some styles and lets the wine age well. The wine develops a complex taste and smell as it ages – you can even detect a unique petrol or kerosene-like scent in older bottles.

Thanks to its tartness and range of flavours, Riesling is great for pairing with many foods. It goes well with many foods, from spicy Asian dishes to decadent desserts and buttery pastries.

And even with all these complex features, Riesling is still easy to enjoy. Riesling can be a great place to start if you’re new to wine – it’s fragrant, tasty and refreshing.

Riesling is a zesty white wine with a wide range of flavours. It can have notes of blossoms, lime and various fruits such as nectarine, apricot, apple and pear. Even sweet Riesling wines maintain a fresh and vibrant taste. As some Riesling wines age, particularly those from Germany, they can develop unique petrol-like flavours.

When making the wine, the goal is usually to preserve Riesling’s natural flavours and acidity. Some Riesling wines are made sweeter by stopping the fermentation process early, which allows some of the natural sugar to remain in the wine. The sweetness in Riesling can also come from late harvesting (known as spätlese or auslese), where grapes are left on the vine longer to develop more natural sugar.

Serve your Riesling chilled. Dry Rieslings are best served between 7-10°C, while sweeter ones should be even colder at around 4°C. To achieve the right temperature, store the bottle in a cool place first, then put it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Or if you’re in a hurry, you can put it in a bucket of ice and water for about 30 minutes.

If you want to enjoy the full aroma of the wine, consider using a tulip-shaped glass when you’re ready to drink it. This type of glass can help bring out the aromas much better. However, a regular wine glass will also work.

Riesling, with its zesty and fresh character, is a highly versatile wine that matches well with a variety of foods. Its pronounced acidity and array of flavours mean it can stand up to spice, making it a great pairing for a spicy barbecue prawn or chicken dish.

Asian-influenced cuisine also goes well with Riesling. Think Thai or Vietnamese dishes with lots of herbs and spices. The wine’s fruitiness and acidity cut through the richness of meat pies, offering a nice balance. For seafood lovers, a crisp Australian Riesling pairs wonderfully with fresh oysters or barramundi. Lastly, for a cheese board, try pairing Riesling with stronger flavoured cheeses like blue or washed-rind cheese to complement the wine’s sweet and acidic profile.