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Grape variety : Riesling

Alsace Chaud Lapin

Alsace Chaud Lapin

Domaine Etienne Simonis Alsace
€14.50
  • Bio
  • Biodynamic
Cazindale

Cazindale

Maison Albert Klee Alsace
€14.50
Cremant Emotion

Cremant Emotion

Alsace Frey Sohler Alsace
€23.88
  • HVE
Edelzwicker

Edelzwicker

Domaine Koehly Alsace
€8.70
Instant Alsace

Instant Alsace

Krick Hubert Alsace
€9.36
  • Bio
L'Edelzwicker

L'Edelzwicker

Platz François & Fils Alsace
€13.50
  • Bio
  • Biodynamic
Pépin Blanc

Pépin Blanc

Pépin Alsace
€16.00
  • Bio
  • Without So2
Poiscaille

Poiscaille

Pépin Alsace
€16.00
  • Bio
  • Without So2
Riesling

Riesling

Maison Albert Klee Alsace
€13.30
Riesling

Riesling

Krick Hubert Alsace
€10.40
  • Bio
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Riesling: Origins and Unique Characteristics of this Iconic Grape Variety

The Riesling grape, emblematic of Alsace, is far from confined to the borders of France. In fact, it is widely grown in Germany and throughout much of Central and Eastern Europe, and today, it is found in vineyards all around the world, from Australia to South Africa! Follow our guide to discover everything you need to know about Riesling through its history, aromatic characteristics, and key wine regions. You’ll also find expert tips for the best food and wine pairings with both dry and sweet Riesling wines.

Riesling at a glance

  • Color: white grape
  • Origin: Rhineland (Moselle and Rhine valleys); long established among Alsace's noble grapes
  • Regions: Alsace: Alsace Riesling AOC, Grand Cru, Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles; also Crémant d'Alsace and Edelzwicker
  • Profile: high acidity, with citrus, white flowers and minerality, developing a petrol note with age; from dry to late-harvest sweet
  • Serving temperature: 8 to 10 °C
  • Cellaring: excellent, thanks to its naturally high acidity

Description and Origins of Riesling

Riesling is a white grape variety that originates from the Rhine Valley in Germany, specifically the Moselle and Rhine regions. This makes it a naturally well-cultivated variety in Germany and Alsace. While some historians have linked Riesling to the ancient Roman grape Argitis minor, DNA analysis confirms that Riesling is a cross between Gouais Blanc (brought from Croatia by the Romans) and a cross between a wild grapevine (Vitis labrusca) and Traminer Blanc.

Riesling is one of the oldest grape varieties in the Alsace region and is one of the four noble grape varieties of Alsace, alongside Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat. Today, Riesling represents about 20% of the white wine produced in Alsace, where it can be found in dry, off-dry, or sweet styles (Late Harvest and Noble Rot methods). Riesling is also extensively planted in Germany and Central and Eastern European countries, and it is found in wine regions worldwide, from New Zealand to Chile, making Riesling the 7th most planted white grape variety globally.

Main Terroirs for Riesling Cultivation in France

Riesling is a fairly versatile grape variety that adapts to almost any terroir. However, it reveals its full potential on schist and granite soils. In terms of climate, while Riesling is a grape variety that withstands harsh winters and thrives in cool or temperate climates, it does not perform well in hot and Mediterranean climates. In France, Alsace is therefore the ideal region for cultivating Riesling, where it remains deeply rooted. While it has spread worldwide, in France, Riesling is primarily cultivated in Alsace in the following AOCs: AOC Alsace Riesling, AOC Alsace Riesling Grand Cru, AOC Alsace Riesling Vendanges Tardives, and AOC Alsace Riesling Sélection de Grains Nobles.

Aromatic Characteristics of Riesling

Usually vinified as a single-varietal wine in Alsace, Riesling can also be blended with Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris in the production of AOC Crémant d’Alsace or AOC Edelzwicker.

Dry Riesling Characteristics:

Appearance: Pale yellow color with greenish reflections

Nose: Aromas of citrus fruits (lemon), white flowers, and white fruits.

Palate: Crisp and fresh on the palate, with mineral notes (flint, petroleum).

Sweet Riesling Characteristics:

Appearance: Deep golden color

Nose: Aromatic profile of candied citrus fruits, honey, wax, sweet spices, and dried apricot.

Palate: A perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, giving the Riesling great body and texture.

Best Food and Wine Pairings with Riesling

Discover our tips for achieving the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of dry, sweet, or sparkling Riesling:

  • For a successful and unbeatable quality-price aperitif, uncork a bottle of AOC Crémant d’Alsace made from Riesling. Its fine bubbles and delicate aromas of citrus, hazelnut, and fresh grapes will whet your guests’ appetites and pair wonderfully with your appetizers.
  • For a perfect regional pairing with white wine sauerkraut, opt for a bottle of dry Riesling from a domain in AOC Alsace Riesling or AOC Alsace Riesling Grand Cru. With its straightforward and mineral profile, along with notes of pear, lemon, and flint, Riesling is the ideal grape variety to balance the robust flavors of sauerkraut.
  • If you’re looking for a bottle to elevate a fruit tart or lemon meringue pie, choose a sweet Riesling from a domain in AOC Alsace Riesling Vendanges Tardives or Sélection de Grains Nobles. These great sweet wines with intense aromas of citrus, apricot, honey, and sweet spices are distinguished by a beautiful acidity that balances the sweetness. This is the perfect match for a fruit tart that is both sweet and tangy.

On Avenue des Vins, we offer a wide selection of white, red, rosé wines, and Champagne directly from the estate or château of your choice. On our online store, each domain is selected with the utmost care, and our bottles are available for home delivery. Whether you choose a bottle of dry or sweet Riesling from Alsace or any other French region, explore our wines at the best prices with home delivery!

Serving Riesling at the right temperature

Riesling is at its best well chilled, at a temperature of 8 to 10 °C. This keeps its citrus and white-flower aromas crisp and lets the grape’s naturally high acidity feel fresh and lively rather than sharp. Served too warm, a dry Riesling loses its mineral tension and precision; poured ice-cold, its delicate aromatics are muted. As with most dry white wines, it shows more of its character when it is not over-chilled, so a sweet, late-harvest bottle can be taken out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to let its honeyed aromas open up.

Riesling’s cellaring potential and petrol note

One of Riesling’s great strengths is its ability to age. Its naturally high acidity acts as a backbone that lets the wine keep for years, and the finest dry examples from AOC Alsace Riesling can develop in the cellar over a decade or more. With bottle age, Riesling takes on its celebrated petrol note, a hallmark aroma that sits alongside its citrus and mineral character and is prized by enthusiasts.

The dry whites of Alsace are built for this kind of cellaring, and the sweet, late-harvest styles, with their concentration of sugar and acidity, can last even longer in a good cellar.

Frequently asked questions about Riesling

Is Riesling a dry or a sweet wine?

Riesling is made in every style, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. In Alsace it ranges from dry and off-dry wines to the great late-harvest sweet styles, the Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles.

What does Riesling taste like?

Riesling is a high-acidity white with aromas of citrus, white flowers and a distinctive minerality. With age it develops its famous petrol note, while sweet versions add honey, candied citrus and dried apricot.

At what temperature should you serve Riesling?

Serve Riesling at 8 to 10 °C. This temperature keeps its citrus and mineral aromatics lively and lets its high acidity feel fresh and precise.

Can Riesling be made into a sparkling wine?

Yes. Riesling is one of the grapes used in Crémant d’Alsace, the sparkling white wine of the region, where it is blended with varieties such as Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.