What is Riesling? Characteristics and Recommendations
Riesling is a grape variety that is popular worldwide for making white wine. It is characterized by its refined and elegant taste, and is a famous variety that is widely available in mail-order shops and restaurants, along with Chardonnay.
This time , we will introduce the characteristics of Riesling and recommend some wines all at once! These wines are also great for gifts, so please use this as a reference.
- What is Riesling?
- The taste of Riesling
- What makes Chardonnay different?
- Recommended Riesling
- Recommended mariage
- Riesling Facts
What is Riesling?
Riesling is a white grape variety that is popular worldwide for making white wine and sparkling wine , and can be used to produce a variety of wine styles, from dry to sweet.
Riesling originated in the Rhine River basin in Germany and is widely cultivated throughout Germany, including in the Mosel and Franconia regions.
Riesling has a relatively high resistance to cold and disease , and you can expect consistent quality and yields even in cool climates, so outside of Germany it is often grown in relatively cool regions such as Alsace in France , the Danube River basin in Austria , Veneto in Italy , New York in the United States , Australia , and New Zealand .
What is the characteristic taste of Riesling?
Riesling has a rich aroma and flavor. Even when fully ripe, it does not only have a strong fruit flavor, but also maintains a refined, clean acidity .
In addition, by taking advantage of the grapes' resistance to cold and delaying the harvest, you can enjoy a sweet wine with a higher sugar content.
The taste of Riesling can vary greatly depending on the climate and degree of ripening.
The taste of Riesling: "Differences in Climate"
Riesling grown in cool climates tends to have prominent floral, citrus, and white fruit aromas such as apple and white peach. It also has a slightly lower alcohol content and a light, acidic taste .
Riesling grown in warm climates tends to have a stronger tropical feel, higher alcohol content, honey-like aromas, and more fruity flavors.
The taste of Riesling: "Differences due to aging"
Young Rieslings are generally fresh in taste , with prominent aromas of citrus and green apples, and refreshing scents and flavors like white flowers and jasmine. Another characteristic is that they reflect the minerality of the soil and saltiness of the soil depending on the growing environment.
Aged Riesling retains its beautiful acidity while also showing its strength and lingering aftertaste. The unique petroleum-like aromas of " petrol " and " honey " become stronger with age, and the aroma and flavor become more complex and appealing.
What's the difference between Riesling and Chardonnay?
Riesling and Chardonnay are famous white grape varieties grown all over the world, but they have many differences in terms of the growing environments and winemaking conditions.
Riesling and Chardonnay: Differences in growing conditions
As mentioned earlier, Riesling is often grown in cold regions, and the characteristics of the variety are easily reflected in the wine. Therefore, many wines tend to have a Riesling-like aroma and flavor .
On the other hand, Chardonnay is a neutral variety with a subdued grape-derived personality. It can be grown in a variety of places, from cold regions to warm regions, so the characteristics of the place of origin are easily reflected in the wine .
Riesling and Chardonnay: Differences in brewing conditions
In order to express the unique aroma and flavor of the Riesling variety, stainless steel tanks are often used for alcoholic fermentation, and malolactic fermentation (a fermentation method aimed at mellowing the aroma and reducing the acidity) tends to be avoided. The general aim is to make a fresher wine that shows off the characteristics of Riesling .
On the other hand, Chardonnay does not have a strong varietal character, so it tends to express its aroma and flavor characteristics during the brewing process . Therefore, there are many variations in brewing methods. Fermenting in a barrel can give it a rich flavor with the flavor of the barrel, while malolactic fermentation can give it a mild, deep flavor.
Riesling recommended wines
We will introduce organic wines that you can enjoy Riesling with. All Rieslings sold at MAVI are EU organic certified white wines . We also have special sets available, so please try them out if you would like to compare them.
Riesling wine tasting set
This set allows you to compare Riesling from three countries: Alsace, France, Germany, and Austria. Even with the same variety, the taste will change depending on the environment in which it is grown. We recommend trying to find which region produces the flavor you like best.
Introducing wine made from 100% Riesling (dry type)
We will introduce wines made using only Riesling. Most of them are dry, but we also have sweet types available.
Alsace Riesling White
A dry white wine from Alsace, France. Fruity aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, apples, and quince, with hints of white flowers and herbs. Full of minerality and fruitiness, it has a clean finish with a powerful flavor. Recommended for dishes using pork.
Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Spiegel White
This dry, hearty wine is made in Alsace, France, which is famous for its white wines. It uses Grand Cru Riesling, a type of grape allowed only in the 51st district of Alsace, and has a subtle petrol aroma characteristic of the variety, followed by aromas of white peach, white flowers, and herbs.
Riesling Steingraben Kremstal Reserve White
A dry white wine made in a premium vineyard in Austria. It has a gorgeous aroma of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, herbs and white flowers. It has a well-balanced concentrated fruitiness and sharp acidity, and a long finish, making it a delicate and elegant wine.
Riesling Zettnerin Kremstal White
A fruity white wine from Austria. With a harmonious blend of tropical fruit and honey aromas and a refreshing aroma, you can enjoy the fresh fruitiness, elegant acidity, and minerality, creating a delicate yet rich flavor.
Riesling Kabinett White
A white wine from Franken, Germany. It has a refreshing aroma of green apples, pears, and herbs, and plenty of minerals, giving it a cool, refreshing taste.
Introducing wine made from 100% Riesling (sweet type)
Riesling Beerenauslese 375ml White (Sweet) [Half Bottle]
"Beerenauslese" is a high-class sweet wine made with Riesling. It has a very ripe fruit aroma. It has apricots, white peaches, a hint of orange, and even honey and yellow flowers like sweet osmanthus. It has a gorgeous and sweet, yet very elegant aroma. When you put it in your mouth, it is surprisingly smooth. The sweetness and acidity are firmly concentrated and strong. It has a very long, happy aftertaste, making it a noble wine.
Introducing wines that use Riesling in part
We will be introducing wines that are blends of various varieties along with Riesling. Please enjoy the profound flavors.
Summer Inspiration White
A fresh white wine from Franken, Germany. It has a highly expressive aroma of muscat, white flowers, grapefruit, and more, and a refreshing, fruity taste. The vivid label adds color to your table. It can be enjoyed with a wide range of dishes, from grilled vegetables and seafood to quiche, gratin, and meat dishes such as sausages.
Alsace Edelzwicker White
A dry white wine from Alsace, France. A blend of Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, etc., this wine has a mineral feel, white flower aroma, and a refreshing taste. Perfect as an aperitif or cold appetizer.
Introducing Riesling by region
Introducing Riesling from Alsace, France
In Alsace, it is known as a noble variety and offers an elegant taste.
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A white wine with a strong fruity aroma
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Elegance and strength: a luxurious white
Introducing Riesling made in Germany
German Riesling has a refreshing, cool taste.
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A refreshing, noble finish
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Rich aroma such as Muscat
Introducing Riesling made in Austria
Austrian Riesling has a refreshing, mineral taste that reflects a strong German influence.
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An elegant white wine made from a premium vineyard
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Fresh, acidic and mineral
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An exquisite sweet wine with the sweetness of noble rot fruits
Introducing recommended pairings with Riesling
Recommended pairings with dry Riesling
Pair it with a refreshing white wine...
Fried oysters and steamed clams
...The acidity and minerality bring out the flavor of the seashore aroma.
Sautéed White Fish
...The sauces and seasonings bring out the flavor of the simple ingredients and are harmoniously combined with the fruitiness and minerality of Riesling.
If you want to pair it with a complex, aged wine...
Pork sausage
...The strength and richness of the full-bodied Riesling brings out and harmonizes the flavor of the meat.
Recommended pairings with sweet Riesling
If you want to pair it with a sweet drink...
Baked sweets such as financiers and madeleines
...The sweetness and aroma of Riesling harmonizes and enhances the butter flavor and richness of eggs.
Desserts such as lemon tart and lemon cake
...The citrus aroma and sweetness go well with the freshness of lemon.
＼Check out more!／
Foods that go well with Riesling
Riesling Facts
About the characteristic petrol aroma of Riesling
Riesling has a "petrol aroma" that resembles gasoline or kerosene. We will introduce the trends of Riesling in the Old World and the New World from the perspective of the relationship between this unique aroma and wine.
*The Old World refers to countries, mainly in Europe, which have been producing wine since ancient times, while the New World refers to regions such as North and South America, Oceania, and Africa, where wine became popular after the Age of Discovery.
About petrol scent
Petrol aroma is related to a substance called TDN (trimethyldihydronaphthalene). Many wine guidebooks mention that " petrol aroma is a characteristic of aged Riesling ", but this TDN is produced by Riesling grapes to protect themselves from the intense heat of the sun.
According to the latest research, it has become clear that TDN is strongly felt even in young Rieslings, and that it overpowers the aromas of flowers and fruits. When I previously tasted with a wine producer in Alsace, France, he said that all Rieslings from hot years have a strong petrol aroma.
It has become clear that the petrol aroma is strongly influenced by high temperature conditions.
Old World and New World Trends
Riesling is one of the most well-known international varieties grown around the world. In particular, it is cultivated in large quantities in Germany. However, it is not very popular because its high petrol aroma dominates other aromas.
As a result, a growing trend in German wine is to maintain the clean, impressive acidity that is one of the attractions of Riesling while minimizing the petrol aroma as much as possible .
On the other hand, in areas of the New World where Riesling is grown, the style seems to emphasize the petrol aroma as the distinctive Riesling flavor. As global warming progresses, Riesling is being made without being limited by the distinctive petrol aroma.
This time, we introduced the trends in the Old World and New World Rieslings, which have a distinctive petrol aroma. MAVI sells Old World Rieslings, so even if you usually drink a lot of reasonably priced New World wines, we encourage you to try comparing the differences.
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