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The
History of Riesling
Riesling has a long and
storied history in Germany's Rhine Valley,
where it is believed to have originated -
perhaps from a cross between the Traminer and
Gouais Blanc which were common to the region
during the Middle Ages. It has also long been
grown in France's Alsace region where it is
still a major varietal. Today, Riesling is one
of the top 20 grapes grown worldwide, and is
considered one of the finest white wine
grapes.
Qualities of
the Riesling Grape
The Riesling vine
grows best in cool climates, despite being a
late budder and a late-maturing variety. The
vine's hard wood also helps it withstand frosty
winter temperatures that might be damaging to
other varieties. Vines are grown in such cool
climates that in some areas there is frost
before all bunches have been harvested, which
can then be used to produce sweet 'ice wines'.
Grapes also take well to botrytis 'noble rot'
for an equally distinctive style of dessert
wine.
Riesling Wine
Characteristics
Body: light to
medium
Acidity: medium to
high
Flavors: Can
display a wide variety of flavors
depending on style, region and age, such as
apple and peach in dry wines; honey and
rose blossom in sweeter styles; and even a
complex petroleum note given time to
age.
Regions
Where Riesling is Grown
- Germany's Rhine Valley and
in the Mosel
- France's
Alsace region
- Austria
- In the New World, Australia and New Zealand
have some production, in addition to California
and Canada's Niagara 'lakes' region
Riesling Fast
Facts
- Bottled by varietal
name in all major Riesling regions
- In Germany, levels of sweetness
are noted on the label from totally dry going
up to the sweetest dessert wines: trocken,
halbtrocken, auslese, beerenauslese,
trockenbeerenauslese
- Famous Producers: Dr. Loosen,
Joh. Jos. Prüm, Hugel, Trimbach
- Appealing while young, but can be extremely
long-lived - sweeter styles in particular - as
much as 30-50 years
Riesling Wine
& Food Pairing
- Pairing depends on
level of sweetness - dry to off-dry (<1%
sugar) are great with turkey, salty foods or
cheeses, and Thai or spicy
dishes.
- Easy
Food and Wine pairings with Riesling:
Potato Bacon Soup with Cheddar and
Leeks
Here are some of our favorites:
2007 Chateau
St. Michelle
Riesling
Slightly sweeter but nicely balanced. This
value selection shows more complexity with
food. ($9)
2002 Charles Schleret
Riesling
This dry Riesling shows mature character in its
classic petrol aroma and creamy
mouthfeel. ($25)
Next Wine
Grape: Sauvignon
Blanc Wine Grape
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