What is Riesling Wine? A Closer Look at the Queen of German Wines

Riesling ("reez-ling") is a German style of wine produced from Riesling grapes. It's usually a white wine, but can also be found in Rosé or red varieties. Unlike many white wines, Riesling has a lower alcohol content. Riesling wine is renowned for its crisp, refreshing taste with sweet fruity notes, commonly of green apples, ripe peaches, and a hint of lime. Its distinctive aroma often carries a trace of floral essence, making it a delightful and versatile choice for wine enthusiasts.

Riesling typically boasts flavors of green apples, ripe peaches, and zesty limes. It often carries subtle undertones of jasmine, honey, and even petrol in aged varieties. Generally, Riesling is light-bodied and ranges from dry to sweet, sometimes revealing tropical notes or a crisp minerality. It occasionally presents a delicate effervescence. The alcohol content is typically around 7-9% alc by volume, making it a delightful and refreshing choice for wine lovers.

The distinctive aroma of Riesling is often attributed to a compound known as terpenes, which imparts a delightful floral and citrusy scent. The bouquet typically features notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, and lime zest. In older Riesling wines, a unique petrol-like aroma may also be detected, which wine enthusiasts consider a sign of maturity and complexity in the wine.

Riesling is a versatile wine that can be crafted into various styles, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the different styles of Riesling:

1. DRY RIESLING (TROCKEN)

This style of Riesling is dry with high acidity. Originating from Germany, Trocken Rieslings have a strong aroma of green apple, citrus fruits, and often a mineral-like quality. They are typically full-bodied and can have an alcohol content higher than other Riesling styles.

2. OFF-DRY RIESLING (HALBTROCKEN/FEINHERB)

Halbtrocken and Feinherb Rieslings are off-dry styles that carry a slight sweetness balanced by high acidity. The taste often includes flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, and honeydew melon.

3. SWEET RIESLING (SPÄTLESE/AUSLESE)

Spätlese (meaning 'late harvest') and Auslese ('selected harvest') are sweet styles of Riesling. These wines are made from grapes left on the vine for longer, resulting in a richer, sweeter wine with flavors of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.

4. RIESLING ICE WINE

Ice wine is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The sugars do not freeze, but the water does, resulting in a concentrated, often very sweet wine. Riesling Ice Wines are known for their rich honey and apricot flavors.

5. AGED RIESLING

Unlike many white wines, Rieslings have great aging potential. As they age, Rieslings develop complex flavors and often acquire a distinctive petrol aroma, which is considered a sign of a mature Riesling.

6. RIESLING KABINETT

Kabinett Rieslings are made from fully ripe grapes and are typically lighter in body and lower in alcohol. They can range from dry to off-dry and often have a crisp, refreshing taste.

Yes, high-quality Rieslings are known for their exceptional aging potential. Some Rieslings can be aged for decades, developing complex flavors over time.

The ideal serving temperature for Riesling is between 45-55°F (7-13°C). A cooler temperature helps to highlight the wine's crisp acidity and fruity flavors.

Riesling is known for its high acidity and aromatic qualities, often with flavors of green apple, pear, and lime. It's also one of the few white wines that ages well. Riesling usually has an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of 8-12.5%, depending on whether it's dry or sweet.

The calorie content in Riesling can vary, but generally, a 5 oz serving of dry Riesling contains about 120-130 calories, while the same serving of sweet Riesling may contain around 150-200 calories.