Riesling
Riesling is a hardy vine that is well-suited for cool-climate wine regions. It is perhaps most associated with the white wines of Germany, where it produces wines that range from dry to sweet.
On the vine, ripe Riesling grapes are deep golden yellow in color, and the resulting wine can range from pale yellow to richly golden in the glass. Riesling is most known for its sharp acidity, which lends ample structure and lift to the wine, even in the sweetest of offerings. This bold acidity contributes the ageability of these wines, some of which can last for decades.
Among Riesling’s many distinctive aromatic notes, the most unique is that of gasoline, or petrol. A minute amount of a hydrocarbon contributes to this unique aroma, and it is most common in aged Riesling. The grape is also known for its minerality, as well as for notes of stone fruits, like peaches and apricots, and white flowers.
Riesling in Germany
Riesling is, by origin, an Old-World variety, and nowhere is it more famous than in Germany, where the grape is almost never blended or exposed to oak. Germany grades its Riesling harvest by ripeness level within a hierarchy called the Prädikatswein. From less ripe to the ripest, the ranking is: kabinett, spätlese, auslese, beerenauslese, eiswein and trockenbeerenauslese. Trocken or Halbtrocken can be included on the label to denote wines that are finished dry or off dry.
Riesling can be found in all of Germany’s 13 wine-growing regions, however it is most prominent in the Mosel, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau and Nahe regions.
Riesling in Alsace
Right across the border from Germany is Alsace, which is home to a French expression of Riesling. These wines tend to be slightly higher in alcohol than German counterparts and much drier, however there are Vendange Tardive (VT) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines that are vinified sweet.
Global Production
Riesling is well-regarded in Austria, however it is commonly overshadowed by the country’s main white grape, Grüner Veltliner. Riesling in Austria is typically dry in style and richer in feel than German bottlings.
While perhaps most known for rich, fruity Shiraz, Australia is home to a surprising array of wine grapes that perform well across its many wine regions. Riesling catches its stride in the Clare and Eden Valleys of South Australia. These wines are typically dry in style, with brisk flavors of lime, white flowers and stone.
In the United States, the grape performs well in Oregon, Washington, New York’s Finger Lakes region and Michigan. The grape is also common in Ontario, Canada, where it produces a range of dry to sweet wines.
Synonyms: Johannisberg Riesling, Rhine Riesling, Riesling Renano, Rheinriesling

Germany has a deep history of winemaking, and Riesling has long been considered the country’s most celebrated grape – The first documented mention of Riesling dates back to the early 15th century near the Rheingau region. Vinified bone dry or lusciously sweet, this iconic grape has a pour perfect for every palate.
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Joh. Jos. Prüm 2020 Auslese Gold Kapsule Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyFor the style, this is an absolute showstopper! Dense and concentrated, with ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$146 -
Joh. Jos. Prüm 2020 Auslese Gold Kapsule Graacher Himmelreich Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyThis is enticing and unctuous, with an elegant frame, but boasts notes ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$138 -
Joh. Jos. Prüm 2020 Auslese Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyGraceful and sleek, with riveting notes of juicy nectarine, cantaloupe, clementine and ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$75 -
Brooks 2019 Bois Joli Riesling (Eola-Amity Hills)
Willamette ValleyIf you can't bring yourself to love this medium-dry Riesling, you need ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$28 -
Joh. Jos. Prüm 2020 Spatlese Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyA snappy and focused version, featuring lime, vanilla custard and nectarine notes. ...See Full Review$61 -
Dr. Loosen 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyThis is a delicacy, with a rich, almost creamy mouthfeel, and array ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Joh. Jos. Prüm 2020 Auslese Graacher Himmelreich Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyConcentrated, yet very detailed example, with dried mango, white peach and light ...See Full Review$66 -
Dr. Loosen 2016 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Im Laychen Réserve Alte Reben GG Trocken Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyThis is a textbook example of why GGs need to be released ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Zilliken 2021 Rausch GG Trocken Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyA white that offers engaging floral and herbal aromas of jasmine, hops ...See Full Review$75 -
Dr. Loosen 2020 Erdener Treppchen Auslese Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyThis is super lush, with nectarine, melon, apricot and spice aromas and ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Dr. Loosen 2020 Ürziger Würzgarten Alte Reben GG Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyThis is generous, yet elegant, combining powerful acidity and rich flavor profile ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Buttonwood Grove 2021 Pét-Nat Riesling (Finger Lakes)
Finger LakesHeady notes of wild honey, pink grapefruit, red apple, jasmine—along with an ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Dr. Loosen 2020 Erdener Treppchen Trocken GG Alte Reben Grosse Lage Riesling (Mosel)
GermanyAromatic and juicy, this graceful medium-bodied white offers notes of lavender, hops, ...See Full Review$53 -
Fess Parker 2021 Rodney's Vineyard Riesling (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastThe hallmark Riesling scent of petrol kicks off the nose on this ...See Full Review$25 -
Brooks 2019 Ridgecrest Clone 49 Riesling (Ribbon Ridge)
Willamette ValleyThis venerated Riesling producer takes a rare trip outside of its Eola-Amity ...See Full Review$28 -
Sass 2020 Catharina White (Oregon)
Oregon OtherA captivating blend of Pinot Blanc (45%), Gewürztraminer (44%) and Riesling (11%) ...See Full Review$24 -
Lone Madrone 2021 Wirz Vineyard Riesling (Cienega Valley)
Central CoastFrom vines planted on their own roots in 1965, this Riesling shows ...See Full Review$35 -
Planeta 2019 Eruzione 1614 Carricante (Sicilia)
Sicily & SardiniaA subtle, delicate nose of salt, rocks, pears and thyme is the ...See Full Review$35 -
Sleight of Hand 2021 The Magician Evergreen Vineyard Riesling (Ancient Lakes)
Columbia ValleyGreat fruit from the basalt and caliche-riddled soils of Evergreen Vineyard plus ...See Full Review$22 -
Smith-Madrone 2018 Estate Bottled Riesling (Spring Mountain District)
NapaThis traditional, German-style Riesling is scented with petrol and pine, leading to ...See Full Review$34
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