Riesling

Riesling is a white grape variety that is popular worldwide for white wine and sparkling wine, and is used to make a variety of wine styles, from dry to sweet. Riesling originated in the Rhine River basin in Germany, and is grown in the Mosel and Franken regions. Riesling has a relatively high resistance to cold and disease, and can be expected to have stable quality and yields even in cool climates, so outside of Germany it is cultivated 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.

Riesling has a rich aroma. Even when fully ripe, it has a strong fruit flavor, but it also has the characteristic of cold weather that keeps observing the beautiful acidity of the grapes. The taste of Riesling varies greatly depending on the "climate" and "degree of ripeness".

The taste of Riesling: "Differences in Climate"

Rieslings grown in cool climates tend to have floral, citrus, and white fruit aromas such as apple and white peach. They tend to have a slightly lower alcohol content, a light taste, and a pronounced acidity. Rieslings grown in warm climates tend to have a stronger tropical impression. They tend to have a higher alcohol content, honey-like aromas, and strong fruit flavors.

The taste of Riesling: "Differences due to aging"

Young Rieslings are generally fresh, with aromas of citrus and green apples, and refreshing scents and flavors like white flowers and jasmine. Another characteristic is that they reflect the minerality and saltiness of the soil in which they are grown.

As the wine ages, the Riesling retains its beautiful acidity, but its strength is more pronounced and the aftertaste is longer. The unique petroleum-like aromas of "petrol" and "honey" become stronger with age, and the wine changes into a more complex and attractive aroma and flavor.

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.

First, Chardonnay is a neutral variety with a subdued grape-derived character. 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

Riesling is often fermented in stainless steel tanks in order to bring out the unique aroma and flavor specific to the variety, and there is a tendency to use malolactic fermentation (a fermentation method that aims to mellow the aroma and bring out the acidity) in order to make wines that are fresher and have a clearer understanding of 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 it in a barrel can give it a rich flavor that brings out the flavor of the barrel, while malolactic fermentation can give it a mild, nostalgic flavor.

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 New World from the relationship between this unique aroma and wine.

*The Old World refers to Europe, where wine has been produced since ancient times, while the New World covers regions such as North and South America, Oceania, and Africa, where wine became popular after the Age of Discovery.

What is petrol scent?

Petrol aroma is related to a substance called TDN (trimethyldihydronaphthalene). Many wine guidebooks have noted 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, TDN can be felt even in young Rieslings, and the aroma of flowers and fruits can be expressed a little more. When I tasted with a wine producer in Alsace, France, he said that all Rieslings from hot years have a petrol aroma.

It has become clear that the petrol aroma is strongly influenced by high temperature conditions.

Riesling is one of the most well-known international varieties grown around the world. In particular, it is grown in large quantities in Germany. However, a high concentration of petrol aromas tends to dominate other aromas, which is not a good thing.

Therefore, the trend in German wine is to focus on styles that emphasize petrol aromas while keeping in mind one of the attractions of Riesling - its clean, impressive acidity.

On the other hand, in areas of the New World where Riesling is grown, it seems that the style that emphasizes the petrol aroma is what makes Riesling unique.

This time, we introduced the trends of the Old World and New World regarding the characteristic petrol aroma of Riesling. MAVI sells Old World Rieslings, so even if you usually have a lot of reasonably priced New World wines, we encourage you to try comparing the differences.

Recommended pairings with dry Riesling

Pair it with a refreshing white wine...

1. Fried oysters and steamed clams

...The acidity and minerality make the seashore flavor lacking.

②Sauteed white fish

...The flavors of the simple ingredients are accented with sauces and seasonings, harmonizing with the fruitiness and minerality of the Riesling.

If you want to pair it with a matured wine with a complex flavor...

①Pork sausage

...The strength and richness of the full-bodied Riesling brings out the umami of the meat in perfect harmony.

Recommended pairings with sweet Riesling

If you want to pair it with a sweet drink...

1. Baked sweets such as financier yamadreine

...The love and aroma of Riesling harmonizes with the butter flavor and richness of eggs.

② Desserts such as lemon tart and lemon cake

… The citrus scent and longing goes well with the freshness of lemon.

Learn more about pairing Riesling with food