Vyne’s Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Riesling

Embarking on the journey into the world of wines can be both exciting and bewildering. One grape variety that often stands out, especially for beginners, is Riesling. However, the Riesling family is vast and varied, offering a spectrum of flavours that can be a little perplexing at first. Fear not, fellow wine enthusiasts, for in guide, we'll take Riesling apart piece by piece and explore its different types.

Dry Riesling:
Dry Rieslings, revered for their chameleon-like qualities, offer a captivating experience. Originating from renowned regions like the Mosel in Germany or Alsace in France, these wines exhibit crispness, refreshing your palate with a delightful zing of acidity. The taste journey reveals vibrant citrus notes, occasionally adorned with a subtle touch of minerality. This variety is a testament to the grape's ability to reflect its terroir, making every sip a voyage through the vineyards.

For the ideal culinary companionship, consider seafood delicacies, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness, or opt for refreshing salads and light chicken dishes. Pairing it with oysters in the Mosel or Alsatian-style asparagus dishes enhances the overall experience.

Off-Dry (Semi-Sweet) Riesling:
Embracing a touch of sweetness, Off-Dry Rieslings enchant with a harmonious interplay of sweetness and acidity. From the picturesque vineyards of Washington State to the slopes of the Rheingau in Germany, these wines present fruity profiles, often tinged with notes of honey. The off-dry category provides an excellent entry point for those discovering the diverse Riesling spectrum.

The hint of sweetness makes Off-Dry Rieslings perfect companions for spicy cuisines, such as the vibrant flavours of Thai or Indian dishes. The slight sweetness complements and balances the heat, creating a delectable pairing experience.

Sweet (Dessert) Riesling:
Sweet or dessert Rieslings transport you to a realm of indulgence. Originating from renowned regions like the Clare Valley in Australia or the Finger Lakes in the U.S., these wines are lusciously sweet, boasting enchanting notes of honey, apricot, or floral tones. The sweetness is impeccably balanced by the grape's natural acidity, creating a symphony of flavours.

Designed for decadence, these Rieslings find their perfect match with desserts. Indulge in the classic pairing of sweet Riesling with blue cheeses or relish it on its own as a delightful dessert after a sumptuous meal.

Sparkling Riesling:
Bubbling with vivacity, Sparkling Rieslings elevate any occasion to a celebration. Hailing from regions like the Eden Valley in Australia or the Rheingau in Germany, these wines retain the typical Riesling characteristics while adding a layer of effervescence. The bubbles dance on your palate, creating a symphony of taste.

Versatility defines Sparkling Rieslings, making them an excellent choice for various occasions. Pair with light appetisers or indulge in its role as a delightful aperitif, setting the tone for a joyous gathering.

Late Harvest Riesling:
Harvested at the pinnacle of ripeness, Late Harvest Rieslings are a testament to patience and precision. Cultivated in regions like the Niagara Peninsula in Canada or the Rheinhessen in Germany, these wines boast intense sweetness with flavours of ripe fruits. The extended time on the vine concentrates sugars and flavours, creating a luxurious taste experience.

Late Harvest Rieslings find their ideal partners in rich desserts or alongside robust cheeses. The concentrated sweetness complements the depth of flavours, making it a delightful conclusion to a gastronomic journey.

Get Hooked on these Rieslings!: 

Arndorfer Riesling 2021
↪ Sourced exclusively from the Wechselberg and Gaisberg vineyards, this 100% Riesling embodies the magic of cool primary rock soils. Here, vines bask in a patient, late-ripening embrace. Expect a delightful balance of vibrant acidity and luscious fruitiness, with hints of yellow plum, apple, and peach dancing on your palate with this bottle. It has a refreshingly crisp finish that pairs beautifully with savoury starters, pasta, and delectable fish and seafood dishes!

Dr. Loosen Riesling Spatlese 2020
↪ Graach, a petite village nestled between its more renowned neighbours, Bernkastel and Wehlen, boasts steep southwest-facing slopes and deep soils. The wines born from these vineyards meld the sophistication of Wehlen with the robust vigour of Bernkastel. Hailing from the grand cru Kingdom of Heaven vineyard, this Spätlese is a mineral-infused Riesling that harmonises remarkable concentration and length with invigorating acidity.

Willy Gisselbrecht Riesling 2021
↪ Delicate hues of pale to medium lemon/gold charm the eyes, accompanied by delightful scents of blossoms, wet gravel, and a subtle touch of petrol and ripe apple. The palate reveals a medium-bodied dance of citrusy lime, green apple, honey, floral notes, a hint of brioche, all elevated by a lively acidity that leads to a lingering finish adorned with spice, chalky minerality, and a touch of apple. This well-balanced wine showcases a pleasing interplay of flavours and an authentic expression of the varietal.

Dr. Loosen Dry Riesling Qualitatswein 2022
↪ This crisp, refreshing Riesling is the dry counterpart to the fruity, off-dry Dr. L Riesling. Together, these two wines represent the entry-level from Dr. Loosen, capturing the elegant and racy characteristics of steep, slate-soil Mosel vineyards at a very reasonable price.