Is Riesling always sweet?

No — this is one of the great wine myths. The majority of Riesling produced and sold is dry or off-dry. German Trocken Riesling and Alsace Riesling are typically bone-dry. Australian Clare Valley Riesling is always dry. The confusion arises from the historic association of German Riesling with sweetness from mass-market wines.

What does Riesling taste like?

Dry Riesling shows citrus (lime, grapefruit, lemon), green apple, white peach and apricot fruit with a signature mineral quality and vibrant acidity. With age it develops a characteristic petrol or kerosene note — a much-sought quality among wine lovers — alongside honey, toast and complex mineral complexity.

Does Riesling age well?

Exceptionally well — great Riesling from Germany, Alsace and Australia is among the world's most age-worthy white wine. The high acidity preserves freshness while the wine develops extraordinary complexity over 10-30 years. German Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese can age for 50 years or more.

What food pairs with Riesling?

Dry Riesling is superb with Asian food — one of the best wine matches for Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Chinese cuisine. It also pairs beautifully with seafood, sushi, smoked salmon, pork and goats cheese. Off-dry Riesling suits spicy dishes particularly well.

Is Riesling always sweet?

No — this is one of the great wine myths. The majority of Riesling produced and sold is dry or off-dry. German Trocken Riesling and Alsace Riesling are typically bone-dry. Australian Clare Valley Riesling is always dry. The confusion arises from the historic association of German Riesling with sweetness from mass-market wines.

What does Riesling taste like?

Dry Riesling shows citrus (lime, grapefruit, lemon), green apple, white peach and apricot fruit with a signature mineral quality and vibrant acidity. With age it develops a characteristic petrol or kerosene note — a much-sought quality among wine lovers — alongside honey, toast and complex mineral complexity.

Does Riesling age well?

Exceptionally well — great Riesling from Germany, Alsace and Australia is among the world's most age-worthy white wine. The high acidity preserves freshness while the wine develops extraordinary complexity over 10-30 years. German Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese can age for 50 years or more.

What food pairs with Riesling?

Dry Riesling is superb with Asian food — one of the best wine matches for Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Chinese cuisine. It also pairs beautifully with seafood, sushi, smoked salmon, pork and goats cheese. Off-dry Riesling suits spicy dishes particularly well.