Riesling Italico (Italy)
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 Riesling Italico 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
Riesling Italico is bone dry with high acidity:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/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
Riesling Italico 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
A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.
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The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Riesling Italico. The Riesling glass is perfect for any 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.
Opt 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 light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Pairing Riesling Italico with Cottage Cheese can be quite delightful. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the cheese also offer a versatile canvas for adding nuts, honey, and fresh fruits to the pairing.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre, Feta): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes of Riesling Italico.
Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Riesling Italico.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Raclette cheeses are rich, creamy, and often salty. They call for a wine that can cut through the fat, refresh the palate, and balance the dish's intensity.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Gouda: The crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors of a Riesling Italico can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of a young Gouda.