Italian Grapes
Riesling Italico
The Riesling Italico grape origins from northern Italy.
In Hungary it is known as Olaszrizling, in Slovenia as Laski Riesling and in Croatia as Graševina.
Riesling Italico not related to the German Riesling of the Rhine and Mosel.
Riesling Italico Profile
Dry Welschriesling is a fresh and excellent summer wine with flavors of Lemon, Apple, Almond, and some Floral notes.
 Lemon |
 Apple |
 Almon |
 Flower |
More sophisticated, terroir-driven wines will have mineral, salty notes and riper peach or mandarin fruit.
 Peach |
 Mandarin |
 Quince |
 Mineral |
Riesling Italico Profile
Welschriesling is bone dry with high acidity:
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ALCOHOL: | 11-12% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Riesling Italico Food Pairing
Welschriesling is very food friendly. It pairs best with Seafood, Chicken, and Vegetables.
 Fish |
 Seafood |
 Oyster |
 Salmon |
 Chicken |
 Salads |
 Vegetables |
 Cheese |
Pairing Suggestions
Seafood. Shellfish. Shrimps. Clams.
Fried Fish. Lemon based Sauces.
Sashimi. Sushi. Nori Rolls. Gravlax.
Roasted Chicken. Chicken Wings.
Lightly Smoked Ham and Pork.
Cheese Pairing
Soft Cheese.
Brie. Camembert. Emmental. Muenster.
The Ideal Glass for Riesling Italico
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A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine. The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings. The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde. |
Riesling Italico Cheese Pairing
Riesling Italico is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Go for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
The tanginess of a Goat Cheese (Feta, Chèvre) will complements the subtle
fruit notes in Riesling Italico.
The delicate flavor of a Mozzarella pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta is especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Soft Cheeses
The creamy texture and mild flavors of a Brie work beautifully with Riesling Italico.
Camembert is similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
The nutty, buttery qualities of a Fontina can make a good match.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
A lightly aged Gouda can add a complementary tang to Riesling Italico.
Serra Estrela is classic Spanish pairing. It has a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor.
Gruyère is mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
The mild creaminess of a Robiola or a Gorgonzola Dolce can contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.