Riesling is an ancient grape that has been cultivated in areas such as Germany and France for generations. Furthermore, Riesling wine is considered among the best whites in the world.
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At SecondBottle, we would love to explore Riesling with you and take a look at the different growing regions. Join us, in celebration of this amazing grape and wine!
The Riesling Grape
The Riesling is an aromatic, small white wine grape that has high concentrations of flavor and acidity. In fact, wine connoisseurs classify it as a noble grape due to its vibrant nature. A slow-ripening grape, the vine thrives in rather poor soils with a high mineral content in both cool and warm climates.
This dynamic wine grape can produce a dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wine. All while maintaining its distinctive fruity character and fine structure. Therefore, Riesling wine caters to all wine palates.
Production Regions of Riesling Wine
The Riesling grape grows in both cool and warm climates, due to this, various wine-producing countries grow it. Consequently, they produce Riesling wine that differs in appearance and taste.
The following five countries are the top producers of Riesling wine.
Germany
Germany grows vast quantities of Riesling as the country has the most dynamic micro-climate in the world for growing the noble grape. In Germany, the grape grows along two of Europe’s great wine rivers; the Rhine and the Mosel, in the regions of Mosel, Rheinhessen, Rheingau, and Pfalz.
The German Reisling wine is dry and fruity with a low alcohol content and balanced acidity. Additionally, the notes of lemons and limes are its most unique feature.
Buy the impressive, top-rated Egon Müller Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese 2016. And, get to enjoy one of Germans best Riesling white wine, produced by one of Riesling’s greatest producers.
Find out about another amazing white wine Pinot Blanc!
To experience a fantastic Alsatian Riesling, try the Domaine Ostertag 2015 Muenchberg Grand Cru Riesling. It is a truly amazing Riesling wine!
Alsace, France
Compared to Germany, Alsace has a warmer climate. Hence, the grapes that grow here ripen more than those grown in Germany. Additionally, the warm climate causes the sugar in the grapes to increase, while the acidity level drops. Consequently, the Riesling white wine produced is drier, high in alcohol and well rounded.
The Haut-Rhin district in Alsace is famous for producing Riesling wine that is pale yellow, with bright green tinges. The color of this Riesling white wine emphasizes its freshness. A key point to note is Alsatian Rieslings age exceptionally well, with a quality vintage aging up to 20 years.
To experience a fantastic Alsatian Riesling, try the Domaine Ostertag 2015 Muenchberg Grand Cru Riesling. It is a truly amazing Riesling!
New Zealand
After its introduction to New Zealand in the 1970’s, the Riesling grape has become the country’s fourth most planted grape. Notably, 85% of the grape grows in the South Island wine regions of Nelson, Marlborough, Waipara Valley and Central Otago.
The South Island wine regions produce Riesling wine with unique styles. Sunny Nelson and Marlborough Reisling have a stone-fruit and spice character, with notes of lime and spice. While the Riesling from the cooler Waipara Valley and Central Otago regions is crisp with notes of green apples and citrus.
Austria
In Austria, the Reisling grape grows along the Danube River and its tributaries, on weathered primary rock soils. The wine from these late-ripening grapes has notes of peach, apricot, and exotic fruits. For example, the young Riesling wine has a fruity flavor which becomes complex as it ages. Austrian Riesling white wine has relatively high alcohol content and is mostly dry.
Australia
Due to the warm climate conditions of Australia, the Reisling grape has a thick skin and a distinctive lime aroma. As a result, the Australian Reisling white wine has an oily texture and citrus fruit flavor. This later develops into a smooth balance of freshness and acid as the wine ages. Australia produces some of the most exquisite Rieslings in the world.
Longevity
A well-made Riesling wine has a remarkable aging potential, due to the high acidity and pronounced fruit flavors of the grape. In fact, Riesling wine is famous for its ability to age longer than any wine grape variety, red or white. In particular, a dry Riesling can age for 5-15 years, 10-30+ years for a semi-sweet and 10-20 years for a sweet Riesling wine.
Riesling Wine Pairing
The balance of sugar and acidity in Riesling wine makes it a versatile wine for pairing with food. In fact, Riesling wine pairing with spicy Asian cuisine works remarkably well; especially with dry and semi-sweet Riesling white wine. While rich blue cheeses and fruit-based desserts pair excellently with sweet Riesling wine.
Riesling wine from the various Riesling producing regions has an intense and distinct character. These burst with aromas of lime zest, peach, apple, and fresh flowers. A dynamic wine perfect for Riesling wine pairing with delicious food or to drink on its own. Next time you see a bottle in the store, don’t dismiss it on account of being too sweet or dry. Explore the noble Riesling, you will not regret it!