World-renowned connoisseurs regard Riesling as one of the topmost collectable wines (of the white variety) across the entire globe.
Riesling’s Taste
On the nose, regardless of the temperature of the wine, you will experience the fruity scents of nectarines, apricots, apples crisped with honey and pears. You will also smell other components like jasmine, lime zest, petrol and honeycomb.
When the wine reaches your palate, you will realise the high acidity levels that are reminiscent to that of lemonade.
Dry or Sweet Riesling
As we have already mentioned, Riesling wines have acidity levels that are fairly high so, to balance this, most of them on the sweeter end of the scale. However, many brands have manufactured dry Rieslings now for those who prefer this variety.
Sweet Riesling
German Pradikat Rieslings like Spätlese come in this category and are the most valuable to collectors.
Dry Riesling
Riesling wines from Alsace, the Trocken German ones, Washington State Rieslings and most Australian varieties come under the dry category.
The Blend
Usually, Riesling will not be blended with any other grapes; it is an extremely pure wine. However, some stores will make you pay more for wines like Niersteiner Gutes Domtal and Kröver Nacktarsch which should actually be super affordable as they are a ‘bulky’ wine.
Food Pairings
Due to the sweetness and acidity levels of the majority of Riesling, it is best to be paired with spicy foods from Indian and Asian regions. Commonly, in restaurants, you will find it served alongside spiced duck.
The Best Herb and Spice Pairings
- Ginger
- Clove
- Marjoram
- Basil
- Teriyaki sauce
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
- Shallots
- Soy sauce
The Best Meat Pairings
- Duck
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Pork
The Best Cheese Pairings
- Soft cow’s milk cheeses
- Dried fruit
The Best Vegetable Pairings
- Coconut
- Red onion
- Aubergine
- Squash
- Tempeh
- Carrot
- Bell pepper
Riesling Wine Brands — The Reviews
House Wine
Price: $13.99 (£10.87)
This brand is manufactured across the globe. It is a boxed Riesling which may come as a surprise but the reviews state that it is actually better than the majority of bottled Rieslings.
It is very subtle, and you can’t really taste the alcohol, so it makes for a very drinkable wine. Not only this, but it is absolutely perfect for outside, summer gatherings in warm afternoons.
S Sohne
Price: $26.99 (£20.97)
S Sohne is the shortened name of Schmitt Sohne and they make a gorgeous Riesling in Germany which is on the very sweet end of the spectrum. It is classified as a dessert and fortified wine.
B Lovely
Price: $12.49 (£9.70)
B Lovely makes a beautiful sweet, medium-bodied Riesling in the state of Washington. You will experience apricot and floral notes on the palate which will refresh and cleans the mouth. It is best to be paired with cheeses like Glouster and is great to drink with the last course of the meal or even after dinner.
Although the reviews are somewhat mixed for this one, the general consensus is that it is packed with beautiful flavours and most consumers will make another purchase when they finish the bottle. For the price, you really can’t go wrong.
Pacific Rim
Price: $12.99 (£10.09)
Pacific Rim produces their Riesling in the state of Washington, much like the brand B Lovely that we discussed above. They manufacture a dark and savoury tasting wine which exudes aromas of peach and caramel. Once on the palate, you will experience honey and the lasting effects of apricot.
The majority of people fall head over heels for this gorgeous wine and not just because of the attractive price point, it really is a beautiful drink.
Dr Heidemanns
Price: $16.99 (£13.20)
This brand makes their Riesling in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer in Germany and is known as a Trocken (meaning dry in German) style of wine. It is great when paired with seafood or chicken thanks to its crisp, citrus and mineral tones.
Consumers have highlighted just how dry this one is, but they also emphasise the wonderful aromas and crispy, clean tastes. If you are a fan of dry red wines, you will find that you quite enjoy this one too, which may come as quite a surprise.
Dr Loosen
Price: $9.99 (£7.76)
Much like Dr Heidemanns, this light-bodied Riesling is produced in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer in Germany too. You will taste mineral, citrus and peach notes on the tongue which bring you the elegance you would expect from wine made in the Mosel region.
It is just the right amount of sweet that is sure to delight any of your guests — as well as the hosts too of course! Ending with mineral tones leaves a gorgeous sensation in the palate which is really unforgettable.
Blue Vin
Price: $9.99 (£7.76)
Blue Vin is produced in Germany in the region of Rheinhessen. They make a beautiful light-bodied Riesling that is packed full of fruit which makes it go down like juice itself. It is paired very well with grilled spare rips, sweet and sour sauce or any meat that has been barbecued.
The sensations you will feel from this tipple are that of both light and refreshing which makes for a wonderful white wine. If you like citrus and grapefruit flavours for a fantastic price, you are sure to be delighted with this one.
Chateau Ste Michelle
Price: $18.49 (£14.36)
This brand produces their Riesling in the state of Washington. It is incredibly easy to drink, yet still manages to maintain an elegant style. You will taste white peach, apricot, pear and grapefruit flavours to tickle your taste buds. Not only does it go down well, it is versatile too as it can be paired with many different foods.
People love this wine for everyday use as well as to give as gifts to their friends and family — particularly those who love a cheeseboard paired with a great drink.
Paradise Peak
Price: $9.99 (£7.76)
Much like the above, Paradise Peak makes their wine in Washington too! This one brings you apricot and peach aromas to the nose and then concentrated flavours of poached pear and apple on the palate.
Consumers say it is a brilliant price (which we agree with, of course) and that the grape flavour really brings this wine among the top Rieslings.
Now, go straight to the shop with all of your newfound knowledge and be the Riesling expert you always wanted to be!
Riesling wines come in various forms — from really dry to tantalisingly sweet but they all have something in common. What are the common factors you ask? Well, every Riesling harbours classy floral notes and gorgeous flavours of lime and tropical fruit. It is unlikely to find an ‘oaky’ Riesling as they are more often than not very fresh.
This type of wine pairs extremely well with Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes — anything that contains strong spices and citrus infusions will work nicely.
Extra Brands
S.A. Prüm 2015 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vat 4 Beerenauslese Grosse Lage Riesling
Price: $200 (£156)
Most of you will have probably already noticed the price but do not worry, they are far more affordable after this one!
This gorgeous tipple coats your taste buds with notes of lemon, yellow plum and peach which are offset by saffron, spice and candlewax. It is truly a luxurious drinking experience that, if you have the cash, you will not want to miss out on. Plus, it is only set to improve with age, so you have time to save.
S.A. Prüm 2017 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese Grosse Lage Riesling
Price: $35 (£27)
The notes that grace the palate from this one comprises of pink grapefruit, lime and lemon which is worlds apart from the smoky aromas that hit the nose before you drink. If you are into extremely sweet Rieslings, then you will love this one! However, even if you wouldn’t choose this usually, you will be surprised at the elegance that this tipple maintains.
Trisaetum 2018 Coast Range Estate Dry Riesling
Price: $32 (£25)
A melange of fruity flavours ranging from apple to guava hit your palate with all of their lovely, tangy, juicy force. The intensity is immense, yet this Riesling still manages to impress with its clever balance.
Make sure you don’t overchill it — trust us, you will regret it if you do as you won’t be blessed with its ultimate tastiness.
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 2017 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Kabinett Grosse Lage Riesling
Price: $27 (£21)
Mango, tropical pineapple and refreshing melon will delight your senses after your nose has been fooled by its initial hit of restrained smokiness. It is decadent in its off-dry form yet still lip-smacking and delicious. The finish leaves you with touches of acidity and mineral-esque tones.
Bee Hunter 2014 Greenwood Ridge Dry Riesling
Price: $32 (£25)
The Bee Hunter 2014 Riesling holds a glorious yellow colour and gives off overwhelming diesel and peach aromas that let you know this aged wine is going to break the mould. It combines the expected Riesling smoke with peach skin and apricot which is truly unlike any other.
Thanisch 2018 Brauneberger Juffer Spätlese Riesling
Price: $23 (£18)
This Spätlese is a medium-sweet variety that will not indulge you too much since it has an airy, feather-light feel. The wine is almost seductive with its white peach and tangerine notes as you take a sip, while ending with a stab of lemon-lime acidity — it will really wake you up!
It is glorious to drink at this moment in time, but it should progress even further until about 2022.
Beacon Hill 2018 Beacon Hill Vineyard Riesling
Price: $26 (£20)
Imagine concocting a fruit salad of peaches, apples and pears — this is exactly what the Beacon Hill 2018 Riesling variety tastes like! Don’t fret however, as there is still an undercurrent of acidity that balances the otherwise heady fruit cocktail.
Hansen-Lauer 2016 Brut Sekt Riesling
Price: $25 (£19)
Honey, tangerine, minerals and brioche lace through this opulent, floral wine. When it reaches your palate, you will notice the crisp peach yet the very stony notes on top too. It is incredibly easy to drink however you will still be enveloped in elegance and decadency.
Navarro 2018 Riesling
Price: $22 (£17)
This is a medium-bodied wine that will always impress and delight your guests. It comprises ripe fruit and tanginess that allows the sumptuous apricot flavours to dance around on the tongue for longer and even linger long after you have swallowed it.
Willems-Willems 2017 Oberemmel Riesling
Price: $21 (£16)
This light Riesling houses white grapefruit and lemongrass flavours that are cut by bramble notes to make it crisp and truly unbeatable.
You should purchase the wine lickity spit if you want to enjoy it at its peak until 2022.
Willems-Willems 2017 Saar Kabinett Feinherb Riesling
Price: $21 (£16)
Willems-Willems 2017 Saar Kabinett Feinherb Riesling is quite unlike any of the others we have explored so far. It utilises elements of caramelised sugar, earth and salt flavours combined with green apple and lemon to deliver an unforgettably zippy wine.
Much like many of these Rieslings, it is best enjoyed between now and 2022 — best get to buying it then!
Yamhill Valley 2017 Riesling
Price: $18 (£14)
The Yamhill Valley 2017 Riesling has been made from grapes picked from a vine that is 35 years old and then mixed with grapefruit, lemon and green apples. It matches really well with oysters too, so it is great for a date!
Frost Bitten 2018 Ice Riesling
Price: $15 (£12)
For the price, this brings unbeatable quality and value for money that you would be hard pushed to find anywhere else. Frost Bitten 2018 Ice Riesling contains a beautiful blend of apricot jam, peach and orange marmalade that is followed by an unexpected kick of rich sweetness that skyrockets this wine into the acidic heights.
Pacific Rim 2018 Sweet Riesling
Price: $10 (£7)
Some may be surprised that a great Riesling could be priced at a mere $10, however, on the nose you are filled with gorgeous jasmine, orange blossom, lime and peach. Then, once you let it slide along your palate, you will notice the sweet tea flavour which cuts through the pure ripeness of the fruits.
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing Rieslings to choose from that will not only provide you with a sense of luxury but will also give any guests you may have a sense of decadence and lavish living.