Riesling

The History of the Riesling Grape Variety

Riesling is not only one of the most respected white grape varieties but also one of the oldest still in cultivation. It has been grown since at least the 15th century and has long held a noble status among wine grapes.

Riesling likely originated from a crossing of Gouais Blanc and a Traminer-related variety. Its natural resilience—particularly its ability to withstand cold climates and ripen in challenging conditions—made it highly attractive to growers. Although it is most closely associated with Germany, Riesling also has deep roots in neighbouring regions such as Alsace and Austria, where it produces some of its finest expressions.

Historically, Riesling may have been known by names such as Rüssling or Rissling, but today its modern name is recognised worldwide. It is now widely planted across both the Old and New World, particularly in cooler climates where few other varieties can thrive. Riesling is also closely linked to the development of late-harvest wines, as well as styles affected by noble rot (botrytis) and ice wine production. As a result, some of the world’s most prized and long-lived sweet wines are made from this exceptional grape.

Wine Regions

Riesling is one of the most important cold-climate white grape varieties in France, where it is closely associated with the Alsace region. It thrives in the area’s cool, continental climate, benefiting from long, sunny growing seasons that allow the grape to ripen fully while retaining its naturally high acidity. The diverse soils of Alsace, including limestone, granite, and schist, play a key role in shaping the character and complexity of Riesling wines.

In Alsace, Riesling is considered one of the region’s four noble grape varieties and is often planted in its finest vineyard sites, including Grand Cru appellations. Unlike many other regions, Alsatian Riesling is typically produced in a dry style, emphasising precision, minerality, and purity of fruit. These wines are known for their structure and ageing potential, often developing complex notes of honey, petrol, and spice over time.

Riesling from Alsace can range from fresh and approachable to highly concentrated and age-worthy, particularly in late-harvest styles such as Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles. Across all styles, the grape is defined by its vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity, making it one of France’s most distinctive and expressive white wine varieties.

Wine Styles & Tasting Notes

Winemakers use Riesling to produce wines in a wide range of styles. This late-ripening grape can accumulate high levels of sugar, particularly when harvested late, and is also susceptible to noble rot (botrytis) under the right climatic conditions. A third style, ice wine, is made by harvesting grapes when they are frozen on the vine. These characteristics make Riesling particularly well suited to the production of sweet and semi-sweet wines.

Dessert wines made from Riesling can be exceptionally rare and expensive, and are among the most age-worthy wines in the world. They typically display flavours of candied fruit, honeycomb, and floral notes, developing further complexity over time.

Riesling also produces elegant dry wines. Some of the finest examples come from Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace, as well as Germany’s Mosel and Rheingau regions. These wines are defined by their vibrant acidity, relatively low alcohol, and complex aromatics, often showing notes of white flowers, peach, citrus peel, and the characteristic petrol nuance that develops with age.

Riesling can also be used to craft aromatic sparkling wines. It contributes elegance and floral character to German and Austrian Sekt, some Crémant d’Alsace, and various New World sparkling wines.

Food Pairings

Despite its versatility, Riesling is a delicate wine, so food pairings should be considered carefully. In its dry styles, Riesling can replace other light-bodied, low-alcohol white wines, pairing well with fish and shellfish, light vegetarian dishes, and fresh cheeses.

When produced in sweeter styles, Riesling is particularly effective at balancing spicy food. As a result, it is commonly paired with cuisines such as Mexican, Thai, and Chinese. Sweet Riesling also complements pungent cheeses and desserts, provided the wine is at least as sweet as the dish.

Riesling from prestigious sites, such as Grand Cru vineyards, tends to be more concentrated and structured, making it well suited to dishes like white meats and veal. These wines also have excellent ageing potential, sometimes evolving over decades. Well-aged Riesling can be enjoyed on its own, offering a complex and contemplative drinking experience.