Riesling
Riesling is a hardy vine that is well-suited for cool-climate wine regions. It is perhaps most associated with the white wines of Germany, where it produces wines that range from dry to sweet.
On the vine, ripe Riesling grapes are deep golden yellow in color, and the resulting wine can range from pale yellow to richly golden in the glass. Riesling is most known for its sharp acidity, which lends ample structure and lift to the wine, even in the sweetest of offerings. This bold acidity contributes the ageability of these wines, some of which can last for decades.
Among Riesling’s many distinctive aromatic notes, the most unique is that of gasoline, or petrol. A minute amount of a hydrocarbon contributes to this unique aroma, and it is most common in aged Riesling. The grape is also known for its minerality, as well as for notes of stone fruits, like peaches and apricots, and white flowers.
Riesling in Germany
Riesling is, by origin, an Old-World variety, and nowhere is it more famous than in Germany, where the grape is almost never blended or exposed to oak. Germany grades its Riesling harvest by ripeness level within a hierarchy called the Prädikatswein. From less ripe to the ripest, the ranking is: kabinett, spätlese, auslese, beerenauslese, eiswein and trockenbeerenauslese. Trocken or Halbtrocken can be included on the label to denote wines that are finished dry or off dry.
Riesling can be found in all of Germany’s 13 wine-growing regions, however it is most prominent in the Mosel, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau and Nahe regions.
Riesling in Alsace
Right across the border from Germany is Alsace, which is home to a French expression of Riesling. These wines tend to be slightly higher in alcohol than German counterparts and much drier, however there are Vendange Tardive (VT) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines that are vinified sweet.
Global Production
Riesling is well-regarded in Austria, however it is commonly overshadowed by the country’s main white grape, Grüner Veltliner. Riesling in Austria is typically dry in style and richer in feel than German bottlings.
While perhaps most known for rich, fruity Shiraz, Australia is home to a surprising array of wine grapes that perform well across its many wine regions. Riesling catches its stride in the Clare and Eden Valleys of South Australia. These wines are typically dry in style, with brisk flavors of lime, white flowers and stone.
In the United States, the grape performs well in Oregon, Washington, New York’s Finger Lakes region and Michigan. The grape is also common in Ontario, Canada, where it produces a range of dry to sweet wines.
Synonyms: Johannisberg Riesling, Rhine Riesling, Riesling Renano, Rheinriesling

Germany has a deep history of winemaking, and Riesling has long been considered the country’s most celebrated grape – The first documented mention of Riesling dates back to the early 15th century near the Rheingau region. Vinified bone dry or lusciously sweet, this iconic grape has a pour perfect for every palate.
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Tatomer 2020 Kick-on Ranch Riesling (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastCrisp, clean and layered aromas of citrus blossom, tangerine zest and wet ...See Full Review$38 -
Trimbach 2020 Réserve Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceThis wine has intense, savory petrol aromas that are pleasantly gritty and ...See Full Review$35 -
Pierre Sparr 2019 Schoenenbourg Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceThe nose is intense with grapefruit and guava, a surprising and delightful ...See Full Review$48 -
Appassionata 2017 GG Riesling (Chehalem Mountains)
Willamette ValleyThis GG rested on its lees for a year after fermentation. Then, ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$50 -
Tatomer 2020 Vandenberg Riesling (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastThis should be the mandatory benchmark tasting for relatively affordable yet hand-crafted ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$28 -
Trimbach 2019 Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceWarming clove meets grapefruit zest on the nose of this wine. A ...See Full Review$130 -
Mure 2020 Clos Saint Landelin Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceThis wine doesn't have any secrets. The nose is intensely mineral driven, ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$50 -
Tatomer 2021 4USL3S3 Riesling (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastLight in the glass despite the residual sugar, this Auslese-style late-harvest bottling ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$26 -
Trimbach 2019 Vieilles Vignes Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceA slightly nutty, slightly petrol aroma suggests that this light-bodied wine has ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Trimbach 2014 Frédéric Emile Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceA bit shy on the nose, this wine is taut and zippy ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$100 -
Love & Squalor 2018 Dry Riesling (Willamette Valley)
Willamette ValleyAs dry and crisp as fall leaves crunching underfoot, this brilliant Riesling ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Frederick Stevenson 2020 Riesling (Clare Valley)
South AustraliaA medium-gold hue, this is a yeasty and slightly oxidative Riesling with ...See Full Review$40 -
Bouza 2019 Riesling (Montevideo)
UruguayThis dry wine has a delicate nose of white flowers, wet stone ...See Full Review$30 -
Mure 2020 Nature Côte De Rouffach Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceAn intense butterscotch aroma gives way to a lean, racy wine. Although ...See Full Review$30 -
Mure 2019 Côte De Rouffach Riesling (Alsace)
AlsacePetrol aromas are pronounced and strong, with a hint of a grassy, ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$30 -
Willm 2020 Kirchberg De Barr Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceThis wine has a bit of a sticky burnt-sugar aroma, lifted by ...See Full Review$23 -
David Franz 2020 Riesling (Eden Valley)
South AustraliaHoney, citrus and floral aromas—and just a touch of kerosene—open this elegant, ...See Full Review$28 -
Integrity 2020 Riesling (Arroyo Seco)
Central CoastA very light hue in the glass, this bottling offers precise aromas ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$24 -
Pierre Sparr 2020 Grande Réserve Riesling (Alsace)
AlsaceThis wine is austere and stony, with aromas of wet rocks, lemon ...Best BuySee Full Review$19 -
Tatomer 2020 Clone 239 Kick-on Ranch Riesling (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastCrisp Gala apple aromas meet with a petrol-like earthiness on the nose ...See Full Review$50
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