Riesling (USA)
USA produces good value Rieslings in many different regions.
Riesling Flavors
 Lemon |
 Lime |
 Apple |
 Pear |
 Peach |
 Nectarine |
 Apricot |
 Flowers |
 Herbs |
 Steel |
 Minerals |
 Petroleum |
The Riesling grape is super aromatic.
Citrus, apple, and white fruit flavors are typical for Riesling. Hints of flowers, herbs, and steely minerals.
Warmer climates can add more peach and apricot notes.
Riesling Profile
Dry Riesling is fresh and fruity, almost perfumed.
The high acidity balances the sweetness (residual sugar).
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ACCOHOL: | 11-13% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Riesling Food Pairing
Riesling is very food friendly. It pairs best with Seafood, Chicken, and Vegetables:
 Fish |
 Seafood |
 Shrimps |
 Sushi |
 Salmon |
 Chicken |
 Turkey |
 Pork |
 Salads |
 Vegetables |
 Asparagus |
 Soft Cheese |
Excellent Pairings
Seafood. Shellfish. Shrimps. Clams.
Fried Fish. Lemon based Sauces.
Sashimi. Sushi. Nori Rolls. Gravlax.
Roasted Chicken. Chicken Wings.
Lightly Smoked Meat. Pork. Ham. Turkey.
Alsatian Specialities
Flammkuchen (White Pizza).
Roast Pork with Mustard Sauce.
The Ideal Glass for Riesling
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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 Cheese Pairing
Pairing Tips
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
Add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Riesling.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Riesling.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Hard Cheeses
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
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About Riesling
Riesling thrives best in cool climates, where it can ripe into the late fall. In hot climates, Riesling generally loses its fine, delicate flavors.
Riesling is in many ways opposite to Chardonnay. Good Riesling is fresh and sour with medium fullness, moderate alcohol, delicate aromas, and no oak.
To appreciate Riesling, a certain tolerance for acid should be worked up. Riesling has a much more exciting aroma profile than Chadonnay, and it also possesses great elegance and finesse.
Dry Riesling is primarily a food wine. Alone, the wines may seem a little sour.
The best Rieslinges come from Germany, Alsace in France, Austria, Northern Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
You can read more about Riesling world wide at Riesling Regions.
Riesling in USA
USA produces good value Rieslings in many different regions.
High Quality areas / regions:
- New York
- Washington
- Oregon
- Idahoe
- California
- Michigan
In the nineteenth century, German immigrants brought Riesling vines to USA.
New York was one of the earliest producers of US Riesling (1850), soon to be followed by California (1861) and Washington State (1871)
The most significant Riesling quantities are now produced in Washington, New York, and Michigan.
Washington State
Riesling was one of the first grape varieties in Washington State.
Today, Washington is world class wine region, and the largest Riesling region in the USA.
The Columbia Valley has temperatures much like Alsace in France (or Rheingau in Germany), and cool evenings that preserves the acidity essential to Riesling
Washington State is known for producing full-flavored, elegant and incredible balanced Rieslings.
Riesling is also popular in the Pasific Northwest because it pairs well with the cuisine, with a multitude of fresh Seafood, Crab, Shrimps, and Oysters.
Asian cuisines are also popular in the Northwest, and the slight sweetness and crisp acidity Riesling’s pairs very well with spice in Thai food and Curry.
New York - Finger Lake
About 300 miles northwest of New York City lies a beautiful wine region called The Finger Lakes.
A cool climate, the "lake effect" temperature moderation, glacial soils, and sloping topography make this one a perfect Riesling production area.
Michigan
Michigan is one of the top ten wine-producing states in the United States, and the cool climate is perfect for Riesling.
Rieslings from Michigan are respected in national and international wine circles, often winning awards.
California
Riesling was officially first planted in California in 1861, known as "Johannisburg Riesling" or "White Riesling".
Today, Riesling is mostly grown in California’s cooler regions: Anderson Valley, Santa Barbara, and Monterey.
Ontario
Ontario is a cool climate region, and one of the few regions in the New World where Riesling is a signature variety.
With temperatures similar to the central Europe, some of the Riesling vineyards here are now older than 30 years and the quality of grapes improves with every vintage.