Are you struggling to determine the sugar content in your riesling? You’re not alone! With its diverse range of styles, understanding riesling can be quite the challenge. But fear not, my friends! I, master of wine Christine Marcilio and head wine educator for Wine Folly, am here to shed some light on the intricacies of this fascinating grape.
Let’s embark on a journey to explore riesling, starting in its homeland—Germany. Germany boasts three main regions where riesling thrives: the Mosel, the Rhine Valley, and the Pfalz. The further south you go, the warmer the climate, resulting in riper fruit flavors in the wines.
But how do we decipher whether German riesling is dry or sweet? Look no further than the label! If you spot terms like “ice fine,” “trocken,” or “beerenauslese,” you can be certain the wine is on the sweeter side. These terms indicate late harvesting, which leads to higher sugar levels in the grapes and a greater likelihood of a sweet wine.
To further enlighten ourselves, let’s examine a German riesling from the Rhine Valley. While the label alone may not reveal its sweetness, we can uncover a few clues. Look for the word “trocken,” meaning dry in German, and check the alcohol level—any percentage above 12 suggests a dry wine. In our case, this bottle proudly displays “trocken” and an alcohol level of 12.5 percent, confirming its dryness.
Now, let’s tantalize our taste buds and dive into the sensory experience of this riesling. On the nose, we encounter an intoxicating aroma of jasmine, white peach, lemon zest, and wet slate. These characteristics perfectly align with what we expect from a wine grown in a cool climate. As the wine ages, it even develops a distinctive petrol or kerosene scent, the hallmark aroma of aged riesling.
But the true test lies on the palate. With each sip, we confirm that this wine is bone dry, devoid of even a hint of sugar. Its high acidity adds a racy, laser-sharp quality—typical of riesling. The wine culminates in a remarkably long, mineral finish, a hallmark of exceptional quality.
While Germany may be the epicenter of riesling, you can also find this grape in other regions around the world. In Alsace, France, they produce predominantly dry rieslings bursting with intense peach and red apple flavors. The Claire and Eden Valleys in Australia create mostly dry rieslings with vibrant aromas of lime, lemon, and petrol. In Washington State, USA, riesling ranges from dry to sweet, offering delicate notes of jasmine and apricot.
Now, let’s address the burning question: How much does a good riesling cost, and what dishes does it complement? Surprisingly, exceptional riesling is often a bargain compared to other grape varieties. Spending around $20 in any of the regions mentioned earlier will likely reward you with a truly delightful and age-worthy wine. However, for the finest and rarest offerings, be prepared to invest significantly more—up to ten times the price!
Riesling’s high acidity makes it an excellent companion for a wide range of foods. Its aromatic profile can handle intense flavors such as lemongrass, ginger, cloves, and even Sichuan peppercorns. Consider pairing it with a Thai green curry or a pungent cheese like Époisses. For sweeter rieslings, an apple tart is a heavenly match.
If you crave more knowledge about riesling, I invite you to visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill for further exploration. And don’t miss out on our incredible video content! Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated.
Cheers to unlocking the secrets of riesling and savoring its delightful complexities!