Riesling: A Grape of Place, Precision, and Personality

Few grape varietals inspire as much devotion (or misunderstanding) as Riesling. Often associated with sweetness (sometimes unfairly), Riesling is in fact one of the world’s most expressive and versatile grapes, capable of producing wines that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet; from feather-light to profoundly complex. More than almost any other varietal, Riesling tells the story of its terroir.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF RIESLING

Riesling’s roots trace back to Germany on March 13, 1435. The first documented mention of the grape was on an inventory manifest of Count John IV of Katzenelnbogen in Rüsselsheim, noting the purchase of six “Riesslingen” vines. Just over a century later, Hieronymus Bock popularized the spelling “Riesling” in his 1552 book on botany. Genetic research shows it to be a cross between wild vines and ancient cultivated grapes, giving it both resilience and sensitivity. Over the centuries, Riesling became Germany’s most noble grape, prized by monasteries and royalty alike for its ability to ripen slowly in cool climates and to reflect vineyard site with remarkable clarity.

By the 19th century, top Rieslings from the Mosel and Rheingau were among the most expensive wines in the world, often fetching higher prices than the great wines of Bordeaux and Champagne. Although its reputation suffered in the mid-20th century due to mass-produced sweet wines, modern Riesling has firmly reclaimed its place as one of the world’s great grapes.

RIESLING’S MANY WORLDLY EXPRESSIONS

What makes Riesling truly special is its transparency. It is less about oak or winemaking tricks and more about climate, soil, and ripeness.

Germany. The spiritual home of Riesling, Germany, produces wines that balance piercing acidity with delicacy and nuance. Mosel Rieslings are famously light, low in alcohol, and electric, often showing green apple, citrus, slate, and white flowers. The Rheingau and Pfalz tend to produce slightly riper, fuller-bodied styles with more stone fruit and structure.

Alsace (France). Alsatian Riesling is typically dry, richer, and more powerful. The sunnier climate and longer hang time produce wines with notes of ripe peach, citrus oil, spice, and sometimes a smoky, mineral edge. These wines often pair beautifully with richer foods and age exceptionally well.

Austria. Austrian Rieslings are usually dry and intensely focused, often grown on steep, rocky terraces along the Danube. Expect taut structure, pronounced minerality, and flavors of citrus, apricot, and white pepper.

Australia (Clare & Eden Valleys). Australian Riesling offers a modern classic expression: bone-dry, high-acid wines with striking lime, lemon zest, and talc-like minerality. These wines are famously long-lived and develop complex toast and honey notes with age.

United States & Beyond. In regions like the Finger Lakes (New York), Washington State, and parts of New Zealand, Riesling thrives in cool climates, producing fresh, aromatic wines that range from dry to off-dry, often with vibrant fruit and crisp acidity.

UNDERSTANDING GERMAN RIESLING LEVELS

German Riesling is unique in that its traditional classification system focuses on grape ripeness at harvest rather than sweetness in the final wine. These levels are known as Prädikat designations:

• Kabinett. These light, elegant wines are made from fully ripe grapes are often low in alcohol and delicately flavored, ranging from dry to off-dry.
• Spätlese (“late harvest”). Grapes are harvested later, resulting in riper fruit and greater concentration. These wines can be dry or sweet, with more depth and texture than Kabinett.
• Auslese (“selected harvest”). Made from specially selected, very ripe bunches, these wines are typically sweeter, richer, and more opulent, though balanced by high acidity.
• Beerenauslese (BA). Produced from individually selected, overripe grapes, often affected by noble rot, these wines are lusciously sweet, intense, and age-worthy.
• Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA). Extremely rare and concentrated and made from shriveled, botrytized grapes, these are among the world’s greatest sweet wines, with astonishing longevity.
• Eiswein. Made from grapes frozen on the vine and pressed while frozen, the result is a pure, intensely sweet wine with vibrant acidity and crystalline fruit.

It’s important to note that sweetness is not guaranteed by these terms. Kabinett, Spätlese, and even Auslese wines can be labeled Trocken (dry), though they are less common.

WHY RIESLING MATTERS

Riesling is a wine lover’s grape: intellectually fascinating, endlessly food-friendly, and capable of profound beauty at every price point. Whether you’re sipping a feather-light Mosel Kabinett, a powerful Alsatian Grand Cru, or a razor-sharp Australian dry Riesling, the grape offers a singular experience—one that rewards curiosity and invites exploration.

In a world of bold, oaky wines, Riesling stands apart: precise, expressive, and unapologetically true to place. So, the next time you find yourself at Viscount Wines & Liquor and come face to face with our numerous offerings of Riesling (from all over the world), remember, even if the thought of drinking sweet wine makes you pause, there is a Riesling for you. Come on in and allow our dedicated wine staff to help you consider (perhaps even fall in love with) a varietal that some (myself included) consider the king of white wine. Be sure to preregister and attend our Riesling Class on March 14. Cheers!