Riesling is the connoisseur's white — supremely aromatic, transparent to terroir and capable of everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. High in acidity and low in alcohol (when off-dry), it offers lime, green apple, peach, white flowers and a distinctive petrol note with age. From the Mosel's featherlight wines to Alsace's powerful dry styles, it ages magnificently.
Structure
| Body | Riesling is rarely oaked, prizing purity and minerality. Its racing acidity balances residual sugar, so even sweet wines taste fresh. German Prädikat levels (Kabinett to Trockenbeerenauslese) signal ripeness and sweetness; the aged 'petrol' (TDN) note is a varietal hallmark, not a fault. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | Very high, racy. |
| Tannin | None (white). |
| Finish | Long and vibrant, with lime, mineral and floral notes. |
| Aroma | Lime, green apple, peach, white flowers, honey and petrol (aged). |
Serving: 8–11°C (46–52°F). · Decanting: None needed.
Riesling drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Everyday dry/off-dry | Drink within 1–4 years. |
| Kabinett / Spätlese | Best 3–15 years. |
| Auslese+ / Grand Cru | 10–40 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Drinking beautifully now. |
| 2019 | Hold to 2035. |
| 2021 | Cellar to 2040. |
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Riesling — questions answered
Is Riesling always sweet?
No — Riesling spans bone-dry (especially Alsace and German 'trocken') to intensely sweet; its high acidity keeps even sweet styles fresh.
What is the petrol smell in Riesling?
A compound called TDN develops with age and sun exposure, giving a kerosene-like note prized by enthusiasts as a varietal signature.
Why does Riesling age so well?
Its high acidity and, in sweeter styles, sugar act as preservatives — top Rieslings can improve for decades.
What food pairs with Riesling?
Off-dry Riesling is brilliant with spicy Asian food and pork; dry styles suit shellfish and delicate dishes.