Riesling
What is riesling and how does it taste?
Riesling is one of the wine world’s greatest white wine varietals. Not only is it lighter in alcohol and more refreshing than other varietals, but it also has the ability to reveal the nuances of terroir and to gain complexity with bottle aging. Rieslings can be bone dry to seductively sweet, crisp to honey-textured. And rieslings can reveal a wide assortment of flavors: lemons, limes, oranges, apples, peaches, apricots, pineapples, honeys, stone hints, even petrol.
Where is riesling grown?
When a wine enthusiast hears the word riesling, what likely springs to mind are the off-dry to appealingly sweet German expressions of the varietal. Dry versions are made in Austria and in France. And Australia’s greatest rieslings have proven to be every bit the equal of anything from Alsace or Austria.
Some popular riesling producers:
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
- Dr. Loosen Estate Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett
- Clean Slate Riesling
- Kung Fu Girl Rielsing
- Schmitt Sohne Relax Riesling
What food pairs well with riesling?
A dry riesling will shine with sushi, smoked salmon, shrimp cocktails, or crabs. As will ham. When it comes to off-dry rieslings, think spice. Spicy Thai, Chinese, Indian, or Vietnamese dishes demand something sweet and refreshing.