Riesling
The Riesling is one of the grape varieties with white berries most prestigious and recognised in the world, appreciated for its extraordinary ability to express the terroir and to produce wines of great longevity e complexity. Originally from Germany, Riesling is now grown in many wine regions, where it stands out for its versatility and for its unique aromatic profile.
Origin and Spread of Riesling
The Riesling has very ancient origins, dating back to fifteenth century. The first written records date back to 1435 in the region of the Rhine in Germany. It is considered the emblematic grape variety of the German wine regions, and of the Mosel, of the Rheingau and of the Pfalz. Over time, Riesling has also found a favourable habitat in other countries, including:- France (Alsace)
- Austria (Wachau)
- Italy (Alto Adige, Oltrepò Pavese)
- Australia (Clare Valley, Eden Valley)
- United States (New York State, Oregon, California)
Characteristics of Riesling
Riesling stands out for its extraordinary natural acidity and the ability to express authentically the terroir of origin. It is a grape variety that gives very different wines depending on the climate, the soil and the winemaking techniques.Aromatic Profile
Riesling-based wines are known for their elegance and for a complex, distinctive aromatic bouquet:- Fresh fruit: green apple, pear, peach, apricot
- Citrus: lime, lemon
- Floral notes: white flowers, jasmine
- Minerality: flint, slate
- Development: with ageing, aromas of petrol (petrol), typical of the finest Rieslings
On the Palate
- Wines fresh e lively, with balanced acidity.
- Excellent aromatic persistence.
- Large versatility, able to range from wines dry a desserts, through to wines botrytised.
Wine Styles from Riesling
The versatility of Riesling makes it possible to produce a wide range of wine styles, suited both to dry and to sweet winemaking.1. Dry Riesling (Trocken)
- Fresh and mineral, with citrus and floral aromas.
- Widespread in Germany, Alsace e Austria.
2. Off-dry Riesling (Halbtrocken)
- Softer, with a little residual sugar that balances the acidity.
- Perfect to accompany spicy dishes.
3. Sweet Rieslings
- Wines from late harvest (Spätlese, Auslese), through to the more intense Beerenauslese e Trockenbeerenauslese.
- In Germany e Alsace, these wines are also made from grapes affected by Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot), which concentrates sugars and aromas.
4. Warm-Climate Riesling
- In Australia e California, Riesling shows more tropical notes and a softer structure.
Cultivation and Terroir
Riesling prefers climates that are fresh e damp and develops best in soils rich in slate, granite e limestone, which help to bring out its minerality.- Germany (Mosel): The slate soils give the wine mineral notes and a razor-sharp acidity.
- Alsace (France): A dry climate and varied soils give rise to fuller-bodied, more complex Rieslings.
- Austria (Wachau): Elegant, mineral wines, with great ageing potential.
Winemaking of Riesling
Riesling is vinified in different ways depending on the style of wine desired.- Fermentation in stainless steel: It preserves freshness and fruity aromas.
- Fermentation in large oak casks: Used for more structured wines, without altering the varietal aromas.
- Cold winemaking: To bring out the floral and fruity elements.
Food Pairings with Riesling
The extraordinary versatility of Riesling makes it perfect for numerous pairings:- Dry wines: Perfect with seafood, steamed fish, fresh cheeses.
- Off-dry wines: Ideal with Asian dishes, spicy cooking e white meat.
- Sweet wines: They go well with pâté, blue cheeses (such as Gorgonzola) and dessert fruit-based.
Riesling: My personal podium
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1
Nonnenberg 2017 - Georg Breuer
- Type: Vino Bianco
- Region: Hesse, Germany, Rheingau
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2
Geheimer Rat 2013 - Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan
- Type: Vino Bianco
- Region: Deidesheim, Germany, Palatinate
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3
Potter Valley Riesling 2022 - Chateau Montelena
- Type: Vino Bianco
- Region: California, Potter Valley, United States
All those I have tried
