Whether you prefer it dry or sweet, National Riesling Day on March 13th is the perfect time to celebrate this versatile and aromatic white wine. Originally from Germany, Riesling is now grown in top wine regions worldwide, offering styles that range from bone dry to lusciously sweet. While many associate Riesling with sweetness, it can also be crisp and refreshing, thanks to its naturally high acidity—one of its defining traits that also makes it exceptionally age-worthy. Riesling is a true reflection of its terroir, with cooler climates producing zippy, citrus-driven wines, while warmer regions bring out riper fruit, floral notes, and richer sweetness.
Riesling is known for its vibrant aromas and flavors, often featuring citrus notes like lime, lemon, and grapefruit, alongside stone fruits such as peach, apricot, pear, and green apple. Floral hints of honeysuckle, jasmine, and orange blossom add to its complexity, while mineral undertones of wet stone, slate, and petrol give it a distinct character. With age, Riesling develops deeper layers of honeyed richness and nutty nuances, making it even more intriguing over time.
Riesling is an incredibly food-friendly wine due to its bright acidity, diverse sweetness levels, and aromatic complexity. Dry Rieslings pair well with seafood, white meats, and fresh vegetables, while off-dry styles complement spicy cuisine, BBQ, and creamy cheeses. Sweeter Rieslings shine with rich dishes like foie gras, spicy-sweet Asian flavors, and desserts such as fruit tarts or crème brûlée. Its versatility makes it a perfect choice for a wide range of cuisines.
Germany is the birthplace of Riesling, producing a wide range of styles from crisp and dry to rich and sweet, with renowned regions like Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. In France, Alsace is known for its dry, intensely aromatic Rieslings with a distinct mineral edge, while Austria showcases high-acid, dry expressions. In the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys are celebrated for their zippy, lime-driven Rieslings. Meanwhile, in the United States, cooler regions like the Finger Lakes and Washington State produce vibrant, high-acid Rieslings in a variety of styles.
Check Out These Riesling Wines!
Shades of Blue Riesling
With fragrant aromas of tropical and stone fruits, this semi-dry Riesling offers a perfect balance of ripe fruit flavors and a crisp citrus finish. Best served well chilled. Germany’s Mosel region is renowned for producing some of the world’s most iconic Rieslings.
The Seeker Riesling
This off-dry Riesling offers crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, with notes of citrus, stone fruits, and pineapple leading to a refined, mineral finish. Crafted from carefully selected Mosel vineyards, this classic Riesling reflects its origins, with vines rooted in fine, mineral-rich slate soil. Beautifully balanced, it harmonizes light sweetness with refreshing acidity for an elegant and expressive wine.
Zind Humbrecht Riesling Sommerberg Grand Cru
This wine, from the Alsace region of France, opens with an intense and complex nose, offering delicate floral notes and light citrus aromas, all underscored by vibrant mineral characteristics. While still slightly reserved, it clearly reflects the influence of the granitic soil of Sommerberg, promising a wine of depth and character.
No matter your preference—dry, off-dry, or sweet—Riesling’s versatility, aromatic depth, and food-friendly nature make it a wine worth celebrating. On National Riesling Day, raise a glass to this expressive varietal and explore the diverse styles it has to offer from renowned regions around the world.
