Unveiling the Essence of Riesling
Welcome to a journey through the captivating world of Riesling, a distinguished grape variety renowned for its exceptional qualities and diverse expressions. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a curious connoisseur, or a newcomer to the world of viticulture, this guide is your key to unraveling the intricacies of Riesling wine. With its unparalleled aromatic profiles, remarkable versatility, and storied history, Riesling stands as an emblem of elegance in the realm of viniculture.
Riesling is without a doubt one of my biggest passions. Let's organise a "Riesling around the world" tasting for your friends, colleagues, or family.
The idea of a terroir grape
Riesling is one of the best examples of a terroir grape
These grapes are extremely sensitive to the environment they grow in and will show distinct characteristics that can be traced back to a specific place in the world.
Master sommeliers and other experts in Riesling will be able to not only tell the country a specific Riesling wine is coming from, but they often can also identify the sub-region and even the specific vineyard very precisely.
What is terroir?
Terroir is a French term that is kind of difficult to be translated to other languages. We got the idea of terroir from the medieval monks who had the time and ability to note precisely how different grape varieties thrive in different soils, vineyards, and climates.
Terroir often captures three different elements. The location of the vineyard explains where in the world we are (climate). The vineyard itself, describes the specific local characteristics like direction of sun, microclimate, or large bodies of water affecting it. Finally, the soil is concrete composition of of soil and which kinds of rocks are to be found in it.
Sensoric description
Aroma profile
Two things that are key characteristics to Riesling are its high acidity (Riesling has always high acidity) and it is highly aromatic.
Rieslings aroma profile depends on the climate. In cold regions, Riesling will often turn out very fresh (green apples, lemon) and mineral. In more moderate climates unripe peach and hints of grapefruit will not be unusual. In warm climates Riesling can turn very powerful, floral, often dominated by mature citrus fruit aromas such as lime.
Oakes or unoaked?
Riesling can be oaked and unoaked. Usually, Riesling simpler Riesling of more fresh-styled Riesling is fermented in stainless steel only. If from moderate or warm climates, or high-level produce, oak maturation is common. Riesling is usually matured on used oak barrels, as new oak would overpower and unbalance the classic Riesling aromatics too much.
From dry wines to dessert wines
Riesling is internationally respected for its suitability to come with residual sugar. This can be a limited amount like 12 - 28 grams per liter, which gives a lovely sweet balance to the crips acidity of the wine and is appreciated by many wine-lovers. But Riesling can also come in real sweet style like a dessert wine. It is also a grape that is perfect for late harvest wines and even ice wine in selected years.
Riesling Around the World
As indicated above, Riesling is one of the most widespread grape varieties in the world. Below, I will describe the basic characteristics of Riesling from different regions and will indicated some of the top producers that I recommend you try.
German Riesling
Mosel
Elegant Aromatics: Mosel Rieslings are celebrated for their captivating aromas of white flowers, green apples, citrus, and hints of petrol. These fragrant notes arise from the region's cooler climate and unique soil composition.
Lively Acidity: The cool climate preserves high levels of natural acidity in the grapes, lending Mosel Rieslings a remarkable freshness and vibrant acidity on the palate. This acidity balances the wines' sweetness, making them incredibly food-friendly.
Light and Delicate: Mosel Rieslings are often lighter in body compared to those from other regions, showcasing a fine balance between residual sugar and acidity. This lighter profile enhances the wines' graceful and ethereal nature.
Top producers: Dr. Loosen, Egon Müller, J.J. Prüm, Selbach-Oster, Dr. Thanisch, Markus Molitor
The Palatinate (Pfalz)
Riper Fruit Profiles: The warmer climate of the Palatinate results in riper fruit flavors in the Riesling wines. You'll encounter notes of stone fruits like peach, apricot, and even tropical nuances, which add a distinct richness to the wines.
Fuller Body: Rieslings from the Palatinate often have a slightly fuller body compared to Mosel Rieslings. This can be attributed to the region's warmer temperatures, allowing for increased sugar accumulation in the grapes.
Balanced Sweetness: While both regions produce a range of styles, including dry to sweet Rieslings, the Palatinate often presents slightly drier styles compared to some of the Mosel's sweeter offerings. This balance allows the wines to showcase the fruit's natural sweetness while maintaining a crisp finish.
Top producers: Dr. Bürklin Wolf, Bassermann-Jordan, Müller-Catoir, Pfeffingen, Odinsthal
Other European Riesling
Austria
Precision and Purity: Austrian Rieslings are often described as precise and pure, showcasing a clarity of flavors that reflect the grape's essence. This purity is attributed to meticulous vineyard management and a commitment to preserving the natural qualities of the grape.
Mineral Expression: Austrian Rieslings are famous for their pronounced mineral expression, which is a result of the unique geological features of the vineyard sites. The vineyards in the Wachau region, for example, are characterized by primary rock soils, contributing to the wines' distinct mineral undertones.
Elegance and Finesse: Austrian Rieslings are celebrated for their elegance and finesse on the palate. The wines often possess a harmonious balance between acidity, fruit, and other elements, resulting in a seamless and refined drinking experience.
Citrus and Stone Fruit Aromas: Aromatically, Austrian Rieslings commonly exhibit citrus notes like lime and lemon, as well as stone fruit aromas such as apricot and peach. These fruity aromas are typically accompanied by floral nuances, contributing to the wines' aromatic complexity.
Top producers: Weingut Knoll, FX Pichler, Alzinger, Weingut Prager, Nikolaihof Wachau, Schloss Gobelsburg
France (Alsace)
Dry Expression: Alsace Rieslings are typically vinified in a dry style, showcasing the grape's natural acidity and terroir-driven flavors. The region's relatively warm and dry climate allows the grapes to ripen fully while retaining essential acidity.
Citrus and Stone Fruit Aromas: Alsace Rieslings often exhibit bright citrus aromas such as lemon and lime, as well as notes of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot. These fruit-driven aromatics contribute to the wines' aromatic complexity.
Floral and Herbal Nuances: Alongside fruit aromas, Alsace Rieslings may also display floral and herbal nuances, adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile. Scents of white flowers, jasmine, and sometimes even subtle herbal hints can be present.
Mineral Expression: The region's diverse range of soils, which include granite, limestone, and clay, imparts a notable mineral character to Alsace Rieslings. This mineral expression contributes to the wines' depth and adds to their overall complexity.
Top producers: Zind-Humbrecht, Trimbach, Weinbach, Hugel & Fils, Albert Mann
Overseas Riesling
Australia
Zesty Acidity: One of the defining features of Australian Riesling is its high and zesty acidity. The cool climate regions, particularly those in South Australia like the Clare Valley and Eden Valley, allow the grapes to retain refreshing levels of acidity. This acidity lends brightness and liveliness to the wines, making them incredibly refreshing and food-friendly.
Citrus and Floral Aromatics: Australian Rieslings often showcase intense citrus aromas, including notes of lime, lemon, and grapefruit. These citrus notes are accompanied by delicate floral aromatics, such as white flowers and blossom. These aromatic qualities contribute to the wines' enticing and aromatic profiles.
Mineral Undertones: Many Australian Rieslings exhibit subtle mineral undertones, which can be attributed to the soils in which the grapes are grown. The mineral character adds complexity and depth to the wines, enhancing their overall appeal.
Top producers: Grosset, Jim Barry, Pikes, Polish Hill River, Henschke, Pewsey Vale, Crawford River, Frankland
US (Finger Lakes)
Bright Acidity: The Finger Lakes' cool climate and extended growing season help retain vibrant natural acidity in the grapes. This results in Rieslings that are refreshing, lively, and well-balanced, with a notable backbone of acidity.
Aromatic Complexity: Finger Lakes Rieslings often exhibit a wide range of aromatic nuances. Citrus notes like lime and lemon are common, along with orchard fruit aromas such as green apple and peach. Floral aromatics and sometimes subtle mineral undertones also contribute to the wines' complexity.
Varied Styles: Finger Lakes Rieslings come in a range of styles, from bone-dry to off-dry and even sweet. The region's winemakers showcase their versatility in producing wines that cater to various preferences, allowing consumers to find Rieslings that suit their taste.
Expressive Fruit Flavors: Finger Lakes Rieslings frequently highlight pure fruit flavors, often with a focus on fresh and crisp fruit character. The fruitiness is balanced by the region's signature acidity, contributing to a delightful harmony on the palate.
Top producers: Hermann J. Wiemer, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Forge Cellars, Red Newt Cellars, Boundary Breaks