International Riesling Day: A noble grape with a chequered past
Posted by Tamsin on 12th Mar 2025
Each year, wine enthusiasts around the globe raise their glasses on March 13th to celebrate International Riesling Day, honouring one of the world's most versatile and expressive grape varieties. Renowned for its aromatic complexity and remarkable adaptability, Riesling offers a spectrum of styles that cater to diverse palates. In this blog, we'll delve into the rich history of Riesling, explore its key flavours and styles, highlight prominent Riesling-producing countries, and suggest delectable food pairings. Along the way, we'll introduce three exceptional Rieslings available at Click N Drink.
A Brief History of Riesling (rees-ling)
Riesling's origins trace back to the Rhine region of Germany, with the earliest documented mention dating to 1435. Over the centuries, it has flourished in various climates and soils, establishing itself as a noble grape variety. Riesling's natural acidity and ability to reflect terroir have contributed to its enduring popularity among winemakers and consumers alike.
Riesling suffered a similar curse to the likes of Chardonnay and Lambrusco in the 70s and 80s. Overly sweet and flabby styles flooded the international market and tainted our view of the grape, but there truly is a Riesling for everyone, and we're committed to showing you how wonderful a wine it can produce!
Key Flavours and Styles
Riesling is celebrated for its aromatic intensity and flavour diversity, which can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Common tasting notes include
Fruity Aromas: Green apple, pear, apricot, and peach.
Citrus Notes: Lemon, lime, and grapefruit.
Floral Hints: Jasmine, honeysuckle, and rose petal.
Mineral Undertones: Slate, flint, and wet stone.
The style of Riesling can vary significantly based on factors such as region, climate, and winemaking techniques. In cooler climates, Rieslings often exhibit higher acidity and pronounced minerality, while warmer regions may produce riper, fruit-forward expressions.
Prominent Riesling-Producing Countries
While Germany remains the heartland of Riesling, several other countries have embraced this versatile grape:
Germany: Home to renowned regions like Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz, German Rieslings are esteemed for their balance of sweetness and acidity, often showcasing floral and mineral characteristics.
Australia: Regions such as Clare Valley and Eden Valley produce exceptional dry Rieslings with vibrant citrus flavours and steely acidity. These Rieslings are also known to age well, producing an intense, yet polarising, note of petrol on the palate.
France: In Alsace, Riesling is crafted in a dry yet complex and round style, emphasizing rich fruit flavours and pronounced minerality.
United States: Notably in Washington State and New York's Finger Lakes, Rieslings range from dry to sweet, reflecting diverse terroirs.
Italy: In regions like Langhe, winemakers are experimenting with Riesling, producing unique expressions that blend Italian winemaking traditions with the grape's intrinsic qualities.
Exceptional Rieslings at Click N Drink
Not sure where to start? Try one of our favourites...
Hailing from Australia's Clare Valley, this Riesling offers zesty citrus aromas, crisp acidity, and a refreshing finish. It's an excellent representation of the region's signature style.
From the esteemed Mosel region in Germany, this Riesling presents delicate floral notes, ripe stone fruit flavours, and a touch of minerality, balanced by lively acidity.
Anna Maria Abbona L'Alman Langhe Riesling
An intriguing Italian take on Riesling, this wine combines aromatic complexity with a harmonious blend of fruit and mineral notes, reflecting the unique terroir of Langhe.
A classic Alsace Riesling with developed aromas of citrus and flowers. The palate is lively yet elegant and structured, the perfect centrepiece for any dinner party.
Food Pairings with Riesling
Riesling's versatility makes it a delightful companion to a wide array of dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions:
Spicy Cuisine: Sweet Rieslings pair beautifully with spicy food as they are able to balance and soften the heat, such as Sichuan cuisine or aromatic Thai.
Seafood: Dry Rieslings complement shellfish and fish dishes, enhancing their delicate flavours without overpowering them.
Poultry and Pork: The fruitiness and acidity of Riesling can brighten roasted or grilled poultry and pork dishes, adding a refreshing contrast.
Salads with Vinaigrette: High-acid wines like Riesling pair well with salads dressed in vinaigrette, as the wine's acidity matches that of the dressing, creating harmony.
International Riesling Day offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and appreciate the depth and diversity of this remarkable grape variety. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or a curious newcomer, Riesling's array of styles ensures there's a bottle to suit every palate. At Click N Drink, we're proud to offer a curated selection of Rieslings.