Discover the fascinating world of Riesling

Characteristics of the Riesling Grape

Riesling – often described as the undisputed queen of white grape varieties – can age exceptionally well, even over decades. Few varieties express their vineyard origin as precisely as Riesling. These wines are wonderfully aromatic and balanced, often described as racy, fresh, lively and mineral thanks to their spicy fruit and fine acidity.

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The History of Riesling

Riesling has an impressive history. The first documented mention dates back to 1435 in the Rheingau. From there, the variety spread across Germany, Austria, Alsace and eventually the rest of the world.

Riesling – Once Among the Most Expensive Wines in the World

Around 1900, Riesling ranked among the most valuable and expensive wines worldwide. Prestigious Rieslings from renowned sites along the Mosel or in the Rheingau appeared on the wine lists of European royal households and the finest restaurants from Paris to London – often priced higher than famous Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.

Diversity and Quality of Riesling

Today, Riesling is considered one of the world’s greatest white wine varieties, admired for its aromatic range, precision, acidity and outstanding ageing potential. It delights wine lovers with its unique combination of freshness, finesse and character.

Riesling and Food: Perfect Pairings

Few white wines are as versatile with food as Riesling. Its vibrant acidity and fruit-driven aromas pair beautifully with:

• Asian dishes
• Spicy cuisine
• Fish and seafood
• Poultry
• Creamy cheeses such as Brie and Camembert

Rieslings with a touch of residual sweetness harmonise particularly well with dishes containing gentle spice or sweet–sour flavours.

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Riesling with Residual Sweetness – Balance of Sweetness and Acidity

Riesling is almost unmatched in its suitability for sweet and off-dry wines. Its natural acidity ensures balance, even with higher levels of residual sugar. This makes sweet Rieslings complex, lively and exceptionally age-worthy.

How Is Sweet Riesling Made?

Sweetness develops when fermentation is stopped early, for example through cooling or a small addition of sulphur. As a result, part of the natural grape sugar remains in the wine. The most precious styles are made from late-harvested or botrytised grapes, where noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) reduces water content and concentrates both sugar and aromas.

Dry, Off-Dry or Sweet: Which Riesling Suits You?

Riesling comes in a wide range of styles – from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Dry Rieslings are fresh, mineral and ideal as an apéritif or with light dishes. Off-dry or medium-dry Rieslings with a touch of sweetness offer a lively interplay of fruit and acidity and are wonderfully versatile. Sweet Rieslings such as Spätlese, Auslese or Beerenauslese display opulent sweetness with notes of honey and exotic fruit – perfect as a dessert wine or with strong cheeses.

Learn more about the different German Prädikat categories.

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Ageing of Riesling

Riesling is an extremely adaptable variety, suitable for a wide range of winemaking styles. Depending on terroir, harvest time and the philosophy of the winemaker, Rieslings range from dry to medium-sweet to fully sweet dessert wines.

Ageing in Stainless Steel

Traditionally, Riesling is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the variety’s freshness, fruit and precise acidity.
Read more about stainless-steel ageing

Ageing in Wooden Casks

Top-quality or matured Rieslings may be aged in large wooden casks, which lend additional structure and a fine, creamy texture.
Read more about ageing in oak

In the glass, Riesling ranges from citrus-fresh and mineral to opulent and honeyed – always shaped by its origin and terroir. This diversity makes Riesling one of the most exciting white wines in the world, with impressive ageing potential.

The Perfect Terroir for Riesling

Riesling is Germany’s most important white grape variety, and its character varies greatly by region. Three areas are particularly noteworthy:

Mosel Riesling

Mosel Rieslings are elegant, delicate and beautifully drinkable. The region’s steep slate slopes give the wines their distinctive minerality. The Mosel is internationally renowned for its sweet Rieslings with extraordinary ageing potential. Legendary estates include:

• Joh. Jos. Prüm
• Dr. Loosen

Rheingau Riesling

Rheingau Rieslings are powerful, aromatic and balanced. They combine fruit, precise acidity and fine minerality, often showing peach, apricot and subtle herbal notes. The Rheingau is considered the birthplace of Riesling and remains a symbol of class and tradition. Notable estates include:

• Georg Breuer
• Von Oetinger

Pfalz Riesling

The Pfalz produces juicy Rieslings with cooler aromatics and lively acidity. Stone fruit, citrus and exotic notes shape the region’s style. Pfalz Rieslings are approachable, refreshing and very popular. Leading estates include:

• Philipp Kuhn
• Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

Discover all winemakers  What does terroir mean?

Ageing and Cellaring Potential of Riesling

Riesling is famous for its exceptional ability to age. Thanks to its outstanding acidity and, in some cases, residual sugar, high-quality Rieslings can easily mature for ten to twenty years or longer. Over time, they develop fascinating aromas that make the wine even more complex, including:

• Honey notes
• Dried fruit aromas
• Petrol notes

Store your Rieslings in a cool, dark place at a stable temperature to ensure they remain enjoyable for years to come.
Read our tips on optimal wine storage