Riesling – Ice Wine

What is Riesling Wine?

Origin and History of Riesling

Riesling wine has a storied history that dates back to mediaeval times. Originally cultivated in the Rhine region of Germany as early as the 15th century, Riesling quickly became a favourite among royalty and common folk alike. The first documented mention of Riesling dates to 1435, when a German nobleman purchased Riesling vines for his vineyard. This early history set the stage for Riesling’s rise to prominence.

Germany is the birthplace of Riesling, but other regions quickly recognized the grape’s potential. The Alsace region in France, known for its unique terroir, began producing exceptional Riesling wines. Austria also joined the Riesling revolution, using its distinctive climate to create wines with a unique flavour profile. These key historical regions established Riesling as a versatile and highly regarded white wine grape.

What Does Riesling Taste Like?

Riesling Flavour Profile

Sweet vs. Dry Riesling Understanding the Spectrum

One of Riesling’s most appealing features is its wide spectrum of sweetness. Dry Rieslings are crisp and refreshing, often featuring flavours of green apple, lime, and flint. In contrast, sweeter Rieslings present flavours of honey, apricot, and peach, offering a rich and luscious experience.

Common Aromas and Flavours

Riesling wines are celebrated for their aromatic intensity. Common aromas include citrus fruits like lemon and lime, stone fruits such as peach and apricot, and floral notes like jasmine and honeysuckle. Some Rieslings also exhibit mineral characteristics, such as slate or flint, depending on the terroir.

Factors Influencing Riesling’s Taste

Terroir and Climate

Cool climates, like those found in Germany’s Mosel region, produce wines with high acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. Warmer regions, such as parts of Australia, yield Rieslings with more pronounced tropical fruit notes and softer acidity. Soil composition also influences the wine’s minerality, with slate soils imparting a distinct flinty character.

Winemaking Techniques

Winemaking techniques further enhance Riesling’s complexity. Some winemakers ferment Riesling in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh, fruity characteristics. Others use oak barrels to add depth and richness. Additionally, the decision to allow the wine to undergo malolactic fermentation can impact its texture and mouthfeel. Each technique brings out different aspects of the Riesling grape, resulting in a diverse array of wine styles.

Riesling Wine Characteristics

Acidity and Sugar Levels

Riesling is known for its high acidity, which gives the wine its refreshing crispness and makes it an excellent pairing for a variety of foods. The sugar levels in Riesling can vary widely, from bone-dry to sweet dessert wines.

Alcohol Content

Riesling wines typically have a lower alcohol content compared to other white wines, usually ranging between 8% and 12%. This lower alcohol level contributes to Riesling’s light and refreshing nature, making it an ideal wine for sipping on warm days or as an accompaniment to lighter dishes.

Ageing Potential of Riesling Wines

One of the unique characteristics of Riesling is its remarkable ageing potential. High-quality Rieslings, particularly those from Germany and Alsace, can age gracefully for decades. Over time, these wines develop complex tertiary flavours, such as petrol, honey, and dried fruit, while maintaining their vibrant acidity. Aging can add a new dimension to Riesling, making it a rewarding choice for collectors and enthusiasts.

Riesling Wine Styles

Sparkling Riesling

Sparkling Riesling offers a delightful twist on the traditional still version. Produced using either the traditional method or the tank method, sparkling Rieslings retain the grape’s characteristic acidity and fruitiness while adding lively bubbles. These wines are perfect for celebrations or as a refreshing aperitif.

Dessert Riesling

Dessert Rieslings, such as late harvest or Trockenbeerenauslese, are made from grapes that have been left on the vine to develop higher sugar levels. These wines are intensely sweet, with rich flavours of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits. Dessert Rieslings are a luxurious treat, perfect for pairing with sweet desserts or enjoyed on their own as a decadent finale to a meal.

Ice Wine

Ice wine, or Eiswein, is a rare and exquisite style of Riesling made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. The freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavours, resulting in a lusciously sweet wine with intense fruit flavours and vibrant acidity. Ice wine is a true labour of love, requiring specific climatic conditions and meticulous winemaking, making it a prized addition to any wine collection.

How to Choose the Right Riesling

Reading a Riesling Wine Label

Understanding how to read a Riesling wine label can help you choose the perfect bottle. Look for terms like “Trocken” (dry), “Halbtrocken” (off-dry), and “Süß” (sweet) to gauge the sweetness level. Additionally, note the region and vintage, as these can provide insights into the wine’s flavour profile. Familiarising yourself with these label details will make selecting a Riesling more enjoyable and less daunting.

Tips for Selecting a Sweet or Dry Riesling

For a refreshing, everyday wine, a dry Riesling, with its crisp acidity and bright fruit flavours, is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a wine to pair with spicy cuisine or enjoy as a dessert wine, opt for a sweeter Riesling with rich, luscious flavours. Feel free to explore different styles to find your perfect match.

Riesling Food Pairing Choices

• Meat Pairings: Dry Rieslings pair beautifully with poultry, such as roasted chicken or turkey, enhancing the dish’s flavours without overpowering them. For richer meats like pork or duck, a slightly off-dry Riesling with a touch of sweetness balances the savoury richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Seafood Pairings: Dry Rieslings complement delicate fish dishes like sole or cod, while off-dry Rieslings pair well with richer seafood like shrimp, scallops, and lobster. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood, creating a harmonious and delightful dining experience.
• Spices and Herbs: The wine’s natural acidity and fruitiness balance the heat and complexity of spicy cuisine, such as Thai, Indian, or Mexican dishes. Try pairing Riesling with dishes featuring ginger, lemongrass, cilantro, or curry for a delightful fusion of flavours.
• Cheese Pairings: The refreshing acidity of a dry Riesling elevates soft, creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert. For blue cheeses or aged Cheddar, a sweeter Riesling provides a delicious contrast, balancing the cheese’s bold flavours with the wine’s sweetness.
• Vegetables & Vegetarian Fare: The wine’s bright acidity and fruit flavours complement a wide range of vegetables, from roasted root vegetables to sautéed greens. Try pairing Riesling with dishes featuring mushrooms, bell peppers, or squash for a delightful and satisfying meal. The wine’s natural acidity and freshness enhance the flavours of the vegetables, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.
• Dessert Pairings: Sweet Rieslings, such as late harvest or ice wine, pair beautifully with fruit-based desserts like apple pie, peach cobbler, or lemon tart. The wine’s acidity balances the sweetness of the dessert, creating a well-rounded and satisfying finish to the meal.

How to Serve and Store Riesling

Ideal Serving Temperature

Serving Riesling at the right temperature is essential to appreciate its flavours and aromas fully. For most Rieslings, a serving temperature of 45-50°F (7-10°C) is ideal. Chilling the wine enhances its refreshing acidity and crispness, making it a delightful accompaniment to meals or a refreshing sip on its own.

Best Glassware for Riesling

The right glassware can enhance your Riesling tasting experience. Opt for a glass with a narrow bowl and a slightly tapered rim, which helps concentrate the wine’s aromas and directs the wine to the front of the palate, highlighting its acidity and fruit flavours. A classic white wine glass or a Riesling-specific glass is perfect for enjoying this versatile wine.

Storing Riesling Short-Term and Long-Term

Proper storage is crucial to preserving the quality of Riesling wines. For short-term storage, keep the wine in a cool, dark place, ideally at a consistent temperature of 55°F (13°C). For long-term storage, consider investing in a wine fridge or cellar to maintain optimal conditions.

Store Riesling bottles on their sides to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation. With proper storage, Riesling wines can age gracefully and develop complex flavours over time.

Your Wine Questions Answered

Is Riesling wine sweet or dry?

Riesling can range from very dry to very sweet, making it a versatile choice for various palates. The sweetness level is often indicated on the label with terms like “Trocken” for dry, “Halbtrocken” for off-dry, and “Süß” for sweet.

Is Riesling wine a Chardonnay?

No, Riesling and Chardonnay are two distinct grape varieties. While both are popular white wines, they have different flavour profiles and characteristics. Riesling typically offers more aromatics with notes of stone fruit, floral elements, and higher acidity, while Chardonnay can range from lean and citrusy to rich and buttery.

Is Riesling the same as Sauvignon Blanc?

Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are not the same but are often compared due to their popularity as white wines. Riesling is known for its sweetness and aromatic qualities, while Sauvignon Blanc tends to be more herbaceous, often displaying flavours of green apple, citrus, and grassy notes.

Is Riesling a good wine for beginners?

Yes, Riesling is often recommended for beginners due to its approachable flavour profile and range of sweetness levels. Its balance of acidity and fruitiness can make it appealing to those new to wine, allowing for a more enjoyable tasting experience.

Which is sweeter, Riesling or Moscato?

Moscato is generally considered sweeter than Riesling. While Riesling can be found in sweet styles, Moscato is typically low in acidity and high in residual sugar, making it one of the sweetest wine options available.

Which is sweeter, Riesling or Pinot?

When comparing sweetness, it ultimately depends on the specific style of the wine. However, Riesling can be sweeter than Pinot Grigio, which is usually made in a dry style. Some Pinot varieties, like Pinot Gris, can have a touch of sweetness, but they typically fall on the drier side compared to sweet Rieslings.