Learn More About Riesling
Where it comes from
Riesling originated in Germany's Rhine Valley, where it has been cultivated for more than 600 years. It has become the country's flagship grape, producing some of the world's finest white wines from regions such as Mosel, Rheingau and the Pfalz. Riesling's naturally high acidity and ability to reflect its surroundings have earned it a reputation as one of the greatest grape varieties for expressing terroir. While Germany remains its spiritual home, it has become a favourite of winemakers around the world.
Where it thrives around the world
Riesling performs best in cooler climates, where long growing seasons allow it to ripen slowly while preserving its trademark freshness. Germany remains the benchmark, but exceptional examples also come from France's Alsace region, Austria, Australia's Clare and Eden Valleys, New Zealand, Washington State and Canada's Niagara Peninsula. Each region puts its own stamp on the grape, from the steely, slate-influenced wines of Mosel to the richer, drier styles of Alsace and the intensely lime-driven expressions of Australia.
Climate and winemaking impact
Riesling is remarkably transparent, faithfully reflecting both climate and winemaking decisions. Cooler regions produce wines with piercing acidity, flavours of lime, green apple and white peach, often accompanied by distinctive mineral notes. Warmer climates bring riper stone fruit, citrus blossom and hints of tropical fruit, while still retaining impressive freshness. Most Riesling is fermented in stainless steel to preserve its purity and aromatic character, with oak rarely used. Winemakers may leave varying levels of natural grape sugar in the finished wine, creating styles that range from bone dry to richly sweet. Thanks to its high acidity, Riesling is also one of the world's greatest wines for ageing, gradually developing the complex honeyed and toasty aromas that make mature examples so prized.
