Riesling, often misunderstood, is a grape variety of incredible versatility and depth. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and sparkling to still, Riesling offers a spectrum of flavors to entice any palate. But with so many producers, navigating the world of Riesling can be daunting. This guide will help you discover what makes a good Riesling brand and point you towards some exceptional options.
Understanding What Makes a “Good” Riesling Brand
Defining “good” is subjective, especially when it comes to wine. However, several factors contribute to a Riesling brand’s reputation for quality and consistency.
Terroir and Winemaking Philosophy
The influence of terroir, the combination of soil, climate, and topography, is paramount for Riesling. Regions with cooler climates and mineral-rich soils tend to produce Rieslings with higher acidity, pronounced aromatics, and a distinctive sense of place. A good brand understands and respects its terroir, allowing it to express itself in the wine. Winemaking philosophy plays a crucial role, with producers choosing different approaches regarding fermentation, aging, and residual sugar levels. Some embrace traditional methods, while others utilize modern techniques to achieve specific styles.
Consistency and Quality Across Vintages
A hallmark of a reputable Riesling brand is its ability to deliver consistent quality year after year. This requires skilled viticulture, careful grape selection, and meticulous winemaking. While vintage variation is inevitable, a good brand can adapt and maintain its signature style even in challenging years. Look for brands that consistently receive positive reviews from reputable wine critics and publications.
Range of Styles and Price Points
A good Riesling brand often offers a range of styles to cater to different preferences. This might include dry, off-dry, and sweet Rieslings, as well as sparkling versions. Offering wines at various price points makes the brand accessible to a wider audience, allowing consumers to explore different expressions of Riesling without breaking the bank.
Commitment to Sustainability
Increasingly, consumers are seeking out brands with a commitment to sustainable viticultural practices. This can include organic or biodynamic farming methods, water conservation efforts, and reduced use of pesticides and herbicides. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also lead to healthier vines and more expressive wines.
Exploring Top Riesling Producing Regions
Understanding the key Riesling-producing regions is vital for identifying quality brands. Each region imparts unique characteristics to the wine.
Germany: The Heart of Riesling
Germany is considered the spiritual home of Riesling. The Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz, and Nahe are among the most renowned regions, each with its distinctive terroir and style. Mosel Rieslings are typically lighter-bodied, with high acidity and pronounced floral and fruity aromas. Rheingau Rieslings are often richer and more structured. Pfalz produces drier, fuller-bodied Rieslings, while Nahe Rieslings offer a balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality. The German system of classifying Rieslings based on ripeness (Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese) provides a useful guide to sweetness levels. Look for the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) symbol, indicating membership in an association of top German producers.
Alsace, France: A Dry Riesling Paradise
Across the border from Germany, Alsace offers a distinctively dry style of Riesling. Alsatian Rieslings are typically fuller-bodied, with aromas of petrol, citrus, and minerals. The region’s unique terroir, influenced by the Vosges Mountains, contributes to the wine’s complexity and structure. Look for “Grand Cru” designations, indicating the highest quality vineyards.
Australia: New World Expression
The Clare and Eden Valleys in South Australia are known for producing exceptional Rieslings. Australian Rieslings are often characterized by their lime and citrus flavors, along with a distinctive minerality. They tend to be drier than many German Rieslings and can age gracefully.
Other Notable Regions
While Germany, Alsace, and Australia are the most prominent, other regions also produce noteworthy Rieslings. These include Austria (especially the Wachau), the Finger Lakes region of New York in the United States, and Washington State. Each region offers a unique expression of the Riesling grape.
Spotlight on Exceptional Riesling Brands
Identifying specific brands provides a practical starting point for exploring the world of Riesling. While taste is subjective, these brands consistently deliver quality and are widely recognized for their excellence.
German Producers to Watch
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Egon Müller-Scharzhof: A legendary producer in the Mosel, known for its long-lived, intensely flavored Rieslings. Their Scharzhofberger vineyard is considered one of the best in the world. The wines are expensive but represent the pinnacle of German Riesling.
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Dr. Loosen: Ernst Loosen is a highly respected producer who revitalized his family’s estate in the Mosel. He focuses on producing wines that express the unique terroir of each vineyard. His Erdener Prälat and Ürziger Würzgarten Rieslings are particularly noteworthy.
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Willi Schaefer: Another Mosel gem, Willi Schaefer produces elegant and refined Rieslings with a focus on traditional methods. Their Graacher Himmelreich Rieslings are highly sought after.
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Schloss Johannisberg: A historic Rheingau estate, Schloss Johannisberg is credited with discovering Spätlese (late harvest) wines. Their Rieslings are known for their structure, complexity, and aging potential.
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Emrich-Schönleber: Based in the Nahe, Emrich-Schönleber produces Rieslings that are known for their precision, minerality, and elegance. Their Halenberg vineyard is particularly prized.
Alsatian Producers to Seek Out
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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht: Olivier Humbrecht, a Master of Wine, is a leading figure in Alsatian winemaking. His Domaine Zind-Humbrecht produces Rieslings that are intensely flavored, complex, and expressive of their terroir. Many of their wines are made with residual sugar, but they are balanced by high acidity.
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Trimbach: Trimbach is a renowned Alsatian producer known for its dry, elegant Rieslings. Their Clos Sainte Hune is one of the most iconic Rieslings in Alsace.
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Domaine Weinbach: Domaine Weinbach, now run by Catherine Faller, is known for its biodynamic viticulture and its rich, complex Rieslings. Their wines are known for their texture and aging potential.
Australian Producers to Explore
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Grosset: Jeffrey Grosset is a pioneer of Australian Riesling, known for his dry, intensely flavored wines from the Clare Valley. His Polish Hill and Watervale Rieslings are considered benchmarks for the region.
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Pewsey Vale: Pewsey Vale, in the Eden Valley, is another leading producer of Australian Riesling. Their wines are known for their lime and citrus flavors, as well as their aging potential.
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Jim Barry: Jim Barry Wines produces a range of Rieslings, including the Florita Riesling, which is known for its intense lime aromas and flavors.
Other Regions, Other Brands
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Weingut Bründlmayer (Austria): Known for its complex and age-worthy Rieslings from the Kamptal region.
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Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Finger Lakes, USA): A pioneer of Riesling in the Finger Lakes, producing a range of dry and off-dry styles.
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Chateau Ste. Michelle (Washington State, USA): One of the largest and most consistent producers of Riesling in Washington State, offering a variety of styles at affordable prices.
Navigating Riesling Styles: Sweetness and Beyond
One of the biggest misconceptions about Riesling is that it’s always sweet. While dessert-style Rieslings exist and are delicious, many are bone dry or only slightly off-dry. Understanding the different sweetness levels is crucial for choosing a Riesling you’ll enjoy.
In Germany, the Prädikat system provides a useful guide. Trocken indicates a dry Riesling, while Halbtrocken indicates an off-dry style. Kabinett is typically light-bodied and off-dry, Spätlese is late-harvested and can range from off-dry to sweet, Auslese is made from selected berries and is typically sweet, Beerenauslese is made from botrytized berries and is very sweet, and Trockenbeerenauslese is made from individually selected, fully botrytized berries and is intensely sweet.
In Alsace, wines are often labeled with their residual sugar levels, but this is not always consistent. Australian Rieslings are typically dry or off-dry, with a focus on crisp acidity and citrus flavors.
Beyond sweetness, consider the other characteristics of Riesling, such as its acidity, aromatics, and body. Riesling is known for its high acidity, which gives it a refreshing and age-worthy character. Its aromatics can range from floral and fruity to mineral and petrol-like. The body can range from light and delicate to full and rich.
Pairing Riesling with Food
Riesling’s versatility makes it an excellent wine for food pairing. Its high acidity and range of sweetness levels allow it to complement a wide variety of dishes.
Dry Rieslings pair well with seafood, salads, spicy Asian cuisine, and smoked meats. Off-dry Rieslings are a great match for richer dishes, such as pork, duck, and cheeses. Sweet Rieslings are perfect with desserts, such as fruit tarts, crème brûlée, and blue cheese.
When pairing Riesling with food, consider the wine’s sweetness level, acidity, and body. A dry Riesling with high acidity will cut through rich or fatty dishes, while a sweet Riesling will balance out salty or spicy flavors.
Investing in Riesling: Cellaring Potential
Riesling is one of the few white wines that can age gracefully for decades. High-quality Rieslings, particularly those from Germany and Alsace, can develop complex aromas and flavors over time. As they age, the petrol notes often become more pronounced, and the acidity softens, resulting in a smoother, more integrated wine.
If you’re interested in cellaring Riesling, choose wines from reputable producers with a track record of aging well. Look for wines with high acidity and a good balance of fruit and minerality. Store the wines in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature.
Riesling is a captivating wine that offers something for everyone. By understanding the different styles, regions, and producers, you can embark on a journey of discovery and find your perfect Riesling brand. The quest for a good Riesling is an adventure in itself. From the slopes of the Mosel to the valleys of Alsace and Australia, the world of Riesling awaits. Cheers to discovering your new favorite!
What are the key characteristics that define Riesling wine?
Riesling is renowned for its aromatic intensity, typically showcasing notes of floral blossoms, green apple, apricot, and petrol (a desirable characteristic often associated with age). It boasts high acidity, which provides a refreshing crispness and allows it to age gracefully.
Riesling’s hallmark is its ability to express terroir, meaning it reflects the unique characteristics of the soil and climate where it’s grown. This results in diverse flavor profiles, ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, making it a versatile wine suitable for various palates and food pairings.
How does the sweetness level of Riesling affect its flavor profile and food pairing potential?
The sweetness level of Riesling significantly impacts its flavor profile. Dry Rieslings (trocken) often exhibit pronounced mineral notes, citrus flavors, and a sharp acidity. Sweeter Rieslings, on the other hand, showcase concentrated fruit flavors like peach, honey, and candied citrus, balanced by their characteristic acidity.
This variation in sweetness dictates its food pairing potential. Dry Rieslings pair well with seafood, shellfish, and spicy Asian cuisine. Sweeter Rieslings are excellent companions for fruit-based desserts, cheeses, and dishes with a touch of sweetness, like Thai curries or spicy BBQ.
What are the main Riesling-producing regions, and how do their styles differ?
Germany is arguably the most famous Riesling-producing region, particularly the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. Mosel Rieslings are known for their delicate, floral aromas and high acidity, often with a slight sweetness. Rheingau Rieslings are typically drier and more structured, exhibiting richer fruit flavors. Pfalz Rieslings tend to be fuller-bodied and riper, with a pronounced fruitiness.
Beyond Germany, Alsace in France produces dry, aromatic Rieslings with mineral complexity. Austria, particularly the Wachau region, also creates dry Rieslings with a distinct mineral character and crisp acidity. The Clare Valley and Eden Valley in Australia are known for their dry Rieslings with lime and grapefruit notes, which often develop petrol aromas with age.
What are the common terms used to describe Riesling’s sweetness levels, especially in German wines?
Understanding German wine terminology is crucial for identifying a Riesling’s sweetness. “Trocken” indicates a dry wine, with minimal residual sugar. “Halbtrocken” signifies a medium-dry wine, offering a slight touch of sweetness.
“Kabinett” refers to a light and elegant wine, often slightly sweet, with lower alcohol content. “Spätlese” designates late-harvested grapes, resulting in a richer, sweeter wine with more concentrated flavors. “Auslese” indicates select, individually picked ripe grapes, producing a sweeter wine with complex aromas. Further categories like “Beerenauslese” (BA), “Trockenbeerenauslese” (TBA), and “Eiswein” signify progressively sweeter and more concentrated wines made from botrytized (noble rot) or frozen grapes.
How can I identify a high-quality Riesling brand when browsing at a wine shop?
Look for reputable producers and regions known for their Riesling quality. Research wineries with a track record of consistent excellence and favorable reviews. Consider the vintage; certain years are known to produce better-quality Rieslings than others, depending on the weather conditions in the specific region.
Examine the label closely. Look for information about the region, vintage, and sweetness level. A well-designed label with detailed information often indicates a producer that prioritizes quality and transparency. Don’t hesitate to ask a knowledgeable wine shop employee for recommendations based on your preferences.
What are some unexpected or unusual food pairings that work well with Riesling?
While Riesling is often paired with Asian cuisine, it can also complement less obvious dishes. Try pairing a dry Riesling with smoked salmon or trout, as its acidity cuts through the richness of the fish. The wine’s mineral notes enhance the smoky flavors.
Riesling’s versatility extends to spicier dishes beyond Asian cuisine. It can handle the heat of Mexican or Indian food, especially those with fruity or sweet components. The wine’s sweetness and acidity balance the spice and refresh the palate. A sweeter Riesling also works surprisingly well with blue cheese, offering a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
How does Riesling age, and what changes can one expect in its flavor profile over time?
Riesling is celebrated for its aging potential, due to its high acidity, which acts as a natural preservative. As Riesling ages, its fruit flavors evolve from fresh citrus and stone fruit to more complex notes of honey, marmalade, and dried apricot.
One of the most distinctive changes is the development of “petrol” or “kerosene” aromas, a characteristic considered desirable in aged Rieslings. This compound, known as TDN, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the wine’s bouquet. The wine also tends to soften and become more integrated, with the acidity mellowing and the overall structure becoming more harmonious.