Characteristics of Riesling

Riesling, arguably the greatest white wine grape according to many experts, is celebrated for its vibrant acidity, expressive aromatics, and remarkable ability to reflect terroir. Originating in Germany’s Rhine valley in the 15th century, Riesling has a storied history, once commanding prices rivaling the world’s most prestigious wines. Its range is extraordinary: from dry, mineral-driven bottlings and sparkling Sekt to lusciously sweet styles like Eiswein, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese, often influenced by noble rot. Riesling’s aromatic spectrum encompasses floral, citrus, stone and tropical fruit, honey, and beeswax, with aged examples developing intriguing petrol notes, all shaped by diverse soils such as slate, limestone, and volcanic rock.Riesling stands out for its piercing acidity, which gives the wine its signature brightness and remarkable ability to age. The grape’s thin skins, small berries, and tightly packed clusters make it especially sensitive to noble rot, leading to some of the world’s most prized sweet wines when conditions are right. Riesling is a true chameleon, offering aromas from citrus, green apple, and stone fruits to jasmine, citrus blossom, rose, and, with age, honey and beeswax, all shaped by a complex interplay of soil types—including slate, limestone, sandstone, volcanic earth, loess, and loam—along with microclimate and slope. Over time, Riesling can develop a distinctive petrol aroma, a trait beloved in places like Australia but sometimes viewed as a fault in Europe, highlighting the grape’s complexity and sense of place.