Riesling Fact Sheet
The Riesling Grape
Riesling is one of the world’s classic and noble grape varieties, producing what many consider to be the best white wine in the world.
The Riesling Grape is Germany’s premier variety. Distinctive for its elegance, firm acidity, complexity, longevity – and extraordinary versatility with food, including the spicy or sweet-and-sour flavors of Asian or Latin American cuisine. Crisp apple, ripe peach, mineral-rich, or the honeyed tone of Botrytis are variations on a theme: Riesling.
Approximately 60% of the world’s Riesling grape grows in Germany. Nearby in Austria, Riesling is the second leading white grape varietal, following Grüner Veltliner. In addition, Alsace is the only place in France under French law where Riesling is permitted to grow.
The Riesling Taste
The general public believes Rieslings are sweet. However, many top European Rieslings are more dry than sweet. The best examples are distinguished by an invigorating interplay between fruit and acidity, the result of the long, slow ripening period in the northern climate. The flavor of most dry Rieslings can be described in a few ways. Fruit is the most common, with flavors of citrus, apples, and peaches. Some Rieslings are evocative of flowers while others fall into a mineral category, usually associated with pristine quality and dry, fresh flavor with little to no fruit character.
European Riesling & Food Pairing
In general, European Rieslings tend to be far more complex and flavorful than those made in the United States. European Riesling offers an extensive range of flavors and tastes, from bone dry to seductively rich and fruity, making it one of the most versatile and food-friendly varietals in the world.
The Ripeness Levels in German Wines
The quality wines from one of thirteen specified German wine-growing regions are made from riper grapes and subject to higher standards. Basic quality wines are labeled QUALITÄTSWEIN B.A. (QbA). Germany’s premium quality wines, QUALITÄTSWEIN MIT PRÄDIKAT (QmP) are made from fully ripe and/or Botrytis-affected grapes. They are elegant, noble and long-lived. The following Prädikats (special attributes) denote six ascending levels of ripeness and quality:
KABINETT: Elegant wines made from fully ripened grapes. Sleek and generally, low in alcohol.
SPÄTLESE: Literally, late harvest. Balanced, well-rounded wines with the intensity of very ripe grapes.
AUSLESE: Noble wines, intense in bouquet and taste, made from very ripe grapes, selected in bunches.
BEERENAUSLESE (BA): Rare and exquisite wines with the unmistakable honey-like aroma of Botrytis (“noble rot”). Made from overripe berries, individually selected by hand.
EISWEIN: Made from grapes of BA quality, harvested and pressed while frozen. Truly unique wines with a remarkable concentration of fruity acidity and sweetness.
TROCKENBEERENAUSLESE (TBA): The crowning achievement of Germany viticulture. A lusciously sweet wine made from individual berries shriveled almost to raisins.
How to Read a German Wine Label
Other Sites of Interest
Food & Wine Pairing
Select wines to go with your meal.
Events
Media Trip, September 12-16, 2010
© 2010 | Campaign financed with Aid from the European Union and the Deutscher Weinfonds