Riesling Wine: The Underrated Hero in the Wine World?

Riesling wine is one of the most versatile wines available, and it’s no wonder that it has its own day of celebration – World Riesling Day! This day is celebrated every year in the second week of March, and it’s the perfect occasion to explore the unique and delicious characteristics of this superb grape variety.

Riesling Wine

Riesling wine is known for its aromatic profile, which includes notes of lime, green apple, peach, and apricot. These flavours are usually joined by a distinctive minerality and acidity that can make the wine taste both crisp and refreshing. Depending on the ripeness of the grapes and the winemaking techniques used, Riesling wines can also exhibit a range of sweetness levels, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.

Riesling Wine

One of the most appealing aspects of Riesling wine is its versatility. It pairs well with a wide range of foods, from spicy Asian dishes to rich and hearty stews. Riesling’s acidity can help cut through the richness of creamy dishes, while its sweetness can complement the spiciness of curries and other spicy foods. Riesling wine is also a great choice for pairing with seafood, as its citrus and mineral notes can bring out the delicate flavours of fish and shellfish.

When it comes to producing Riesling wine, there are a few key regions that are known for their exceptional examples. Germany is the most famous producer of Riesling wines, with the Mosel, Rheingau, and Nahe regions being particularly renowned. In these areas, Riesling grapes are often grown on steep slopes with slate soils, which can give the wines a distinct minerality. Other, further afield Riesling-producing regions include Alsace in France, the Finger Lakes in New York, and Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys.

Riesling Wine

If you’re looking to try a Riesling wine for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the level of sweetness you prefer – Riesling wines can range from bone-dry to sweet, so it’s important to choose a style that suits your taste. You should also consider the region where the wine was produced – different regions can produce Rieslings with very different flavour profiles. Here are some of our favourite Riesling Wines:

Villa Wolf Dry Riesling 2021

Villa Wolf Dry Riesling 2021

This dry Riesling shows excellent balance of fruitiness and acidity, it's a superb wine that's pale in colour, incorporates the finesse of distinct kaffir lime and citrus aromas, whilst being pristine and focussed. The first taste of this Villa Wolf dry Riesling provides a light body with balancing sweetness, accompanied by a long finish.

Elisenberger Riesling Kabinett 2020

Elisenberger Riesling Kabinett 2020

The Elisenberger Kabinett is a fantastic expression of German Riesling, it offers a beautiful nose made of Mirabelle, quince, melon, tangerine, whipped cream, herbs, and lots of smoky elements. The wine is gorgeously playful on the palate and leaves a stunning feel of herbs and ripe fruits in the juicy finish. The aromatic intensity paired with the airy and light-footed structure is truly remarkable.

Riesling Chasseur De Lune Bestheim 2019

Riesling Chasseur De Lune Bestheim 2019

The Riesling Chasseur De Lune Bestheim is a pale colour with gold reflections. The nose is expressive with floral notes. The wine opens towards citrus fruits of lemon and yuzu. A frank, mineral attack with ripe lemon aromas. A beautiful balance and a beautiful length embellish this wine.

S.A. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett

S.A. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett

This Riesling Kabinett offers an excellent balance of fruitiness and acidity. It's a superb wine that's light gold in colour, and on the nose this wine showcases the perfume of a perfect Riesling with notes of ripened peaches and apricot. The palate of this Riesling is fresh and crisp due to the acidity, paired with a lot of yellow fruit, underscored by nuances of mineral and slate

Riesling Wine is full of pleasant surprises and offers an impressive range of styles and flavour profiles. Riesling wine is a true reflection of the global wine-making heritage and offers a unique taste experience that you don't want to miss. Whether you're a crisp, dry Riesling type of person or you prefer the rich, sweet flavours of a Kabinett, there's a wine for everyone. The Oddbins Riesling wine range is certain to serve up something to complement your choices perfectly. Not sure which would best suit your palate or meal? Want to know the best Riesling wines to give as a gift? Contact our helpful team for advice via Live Chat, e-mail or by calling 0800 328 23 23 for all the help you need.