Riesling’s Versatility

Riesling is an often overlooked and underappreciated grape variety, which is a shame given it makes some of the best wines around. 

There is a misconception that Riesling is typically sweet, but 90% of the Riesling we carry is dry. Dry Riesling is amazingly versatile with food because of its flavor profile and balance of power and vibrant acidity. However, that’s not to say sweet Rieslings aren’t as delicious, in fact they can match with many spicy dishes quite well. Beyond food pairing, dry vs sweet is more a matter of personal preference. 

Riesling can range in style and can actually be found in all three Palate Characters. They run the gamut from the dry, refreshing acidity of Bright & Crisp, to the increased body of Balance & Finesse, all the way to the palate-coating ripeness of Rich & Full. The Austrian and German Rieslings below exemplify just how diverse this grape can be. 

Von Winning
Riesling Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Trocken 2021 
Pfalz, Germany
BUY $37

Bright & Crisp

Von Winning makes some of the best dry Rieslings in Germany. Medium-bodied and slightly off-dry, but so well ingrained with pronounced acidity. There are notable white peach and lemon rind aromas and flavors that are followed by ginger, crushed rocks, and beeswax in the complex finish.

Prager, Steinriegl Riesling Federspiel 2020
Wachau, Austria
BUY $32

Bright & Crisp 

Prager is one of the O.G.’s of Austrian Riesling. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, the wine unfolds with lime, melon peel, peach, and crushed rocks in the long finish.

Unterlind Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett 2023
Mosel, Germany
BUY $59

Balance & Finesse with Bright & Crisp

Effortlessly balances verve, accessibility, and complexity. Medium-bodied and off-dry with crisp acidity, there are flavors of orange peel and apricot fruit, followed by notes of ginger and geranium, and finishing with a salty minerality.

Dönnhoff 
Niederhäuser Klamm Riesling Kabinett 2023
Nahe, Germany
BUY $30

Rich & Full with Balance & Finesse

Medium-bodied with residual sugar, this Riesling balances sweetness with crisp acidity and features a melange of peach, lime, and pineapple fruit with  notes of white flowers lingering in the mineral-driven finish.