A Beginner's Guide to Riesling

by Jasmine Tham on Jun 16, 2023

Riesling originates from Germany and it is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. Read on to find out more about the characteristics of the most popular white wine variety and the differences between the regions.

A Unique Riesling for Everyone

This particular grape is famous for the extraordinary flavour spectrum it offers, which ranges from sour and acidic to subtly sweet. Riesling is used to make wines that are typically light to medium in body and do not have any contact with oak during the production process.

The predominant fruit scents in this fragrant wine are nectarine, apricot, apple, and pear. Aside from fruit, you'll frequently smell honeycomb, jasmine, or lime peel, as well as a distinct aroma reminiscent of petrol or petroleum wax.

German Rieslings

Riesling produced in Germany has a flavour profile that can range from dry to sweet and features the ideal balance of fruitiness and acidity. An ideal for pairing with many types of food such as red meat, white meat, cured meat and shellfish. On the other hand, in the region of Alsace in France and in Australia, the wine is typically produced in a drier style.

2018 Markus Molitor - Riesling Haus Klosterberg

Region: Mosel, Germany

Straw yellow in colour, refreshing and slightly spicy on the nose. Filigree, sensitive, playful, cool mineral and spicy on the palate. Very delicate fine fruit aromas, herbaceous with nuances of minerals, very delicate and pure. Typical, classic Mosel Riesling.

French Rieslings

The dry, sunny climate along with the different types of soil in this region are responsible for imparting an alluring minerality to the wines produced here. Rieslings from Alsace are often fresh and crisp with racy acidity.

2020 Domaine Trimbach Riesling

Region: Alsace, France

‘Its delicate bouquet, beautiful balance, dry character, distinguished fruitiness and natural liveliness contribute to its exceptional richness. As required by the house style, it is vinified dry, straight, and precise, every year.’

– Winemaker

Australian Rieslings

Riesling is widely regarded as one of Australia's top wines, and it was one of the earliest grape varieties successfully cultivated there. Australian rieslings tend to be steely, dry wines with stunning citrus flavours.

2019 Grosset - Springvale Riesling

Region: Clare Valley, Australia

On the palate, too, the lime and lemon flavours are concentrated, powerful and weighty with impressive length on a fine, mouth-puckering finish featuring crisp, cleansing acidity that lingers. While it is immediately appealing, there are no questions that this is age-worthy.