Always trendy, Riesling is one of the most renowned white grape varieties. The exact origin of the variety is not entirely certain. It may have emerged as a natural cross between Weisser Heunisch and Vitis Vinifera Sylvestris varieties, or possibly from a combination of Weisser Heunisch + Traminer. Either way, Riesling's spiritual home is found in Germany, in the Rhine and Mosel river valleys.
Riesling is Germany's most important grape variety, grown in all of the country's wine regions. The most famous German Rieslings come from the Rheingau and Mosel areas. In addition to Germany's numerous appellations, other significant Riesling wine regions include Alsace on the French side, as well as various sub-regions of Austria. Of course, we've also tasted good examples from Australia and New Zealand, and occasionally from other wine countries as well.
The variety should not be confused with the similar-sounding Welschriesling, which grows widely in Central and Eastern Europe, including Northern Italy. It is a considerably more neutral and modest variety than this 'The Riesling', also known as Rhein Riesling.
Riesling is a versatile variety that produces wines in many different styles. What's significant is Riesling's high acidity, which makes the wine age very well. Except for the most affordable ones, they can be cellared for a long time without worry.
The flavor profile depends largely on the growing environment and the ripeness level of the grapes—it can produce everything from very light and fruity wines to magnificent sweet dessert wines. With its different styles, Riesling offers a suitable companion for almost any food, not to mention very pleasant wines for casual drinking.
Riesling wine typically offers aromas and flavors of apple, peach, apricot, and citrus. Vines grown in slate soils in particular also bring mineral flavors to the wine. As it ages, Riesling often develops honeyed and petroleum-like aromas as well.
In the Mosel river valley in Germany, Riesling grows on very steep slopes.
Explore Alsace Riesling wines in a wine tasting through producer Wolfberger. Start with the pure varietal wine Wolfberger Riesling. Continue with the W2 and W3 wines, where Riesling beautifully blends with other Alsace varieties. If you'd like to include a sparkling wine in this tasting, also choose Wolfberger (W) Cremant d'Alsace Organic Brut, where Riesling is the dominant grape variety.
Here you can print an A3-sized Viikon Viini tasting mat with space for five wines.
Here you can see all wines made from Riesling or partially from Riesling in the product search.
