Riesling is an aromatic white variety which produce elegant sought-after white wines, some of the best in the world.
Riesling is grown under cool or tempered climate because the berries are resistant to frost despite their thin skins. The grape develop slowly its sugar while keeping its high concentration of acid so the producers can harvest the grapes during the dry and sunny autumns. Riesling is often used to make excellent sweet wines because the variety is sensible to botrytis (noble rot).
Riesling Caracteristics
The grape produces light aromatic wines, with a low alcohol level, a fresh acidity and heady perfumes. Riesling makes a wide range of wine style, from dry mineral ones to fruity sweet white wines. The wines reveal a large bouquet of fruity and floral aromas. Some wines have a distinctive minerality thanks to the slate terroir.
Where to find the best Rieslings
Germany is the cradle of Riesling, where it produces wines with typical floral notes and a crisp minerality.
The exceptional white wines in Lower Austria (Kamptal and Wachau) are more powerful but are every bit as good as their German counterparts are.
In France, Alsace and its warmer climate make stronger and fuller bodied Riesling wines than their neighbour.
In Australia, the best Riesling are from Clare Valley where they develop intense citrus flavor and a strong body. In New Zealand, the variety is cultivated a little and produces white wines similar to the Alsace type.
