All About Riesling

A Little Riesling History...

We had no idea that Riesling was a German wine until we started doing some research. The first German Riesling was grown in 1456 by a German noble. By the 19th century , high-end Rieslings were some of the most expensive wines in the world—even more than Bordeaux. Today, Germany's most iconic grape is grown worldwide, including here in the U.S., especially in colder areas like Washington State.

How Riesling is Made 🍇

Riesling is best suited to cooler climates, where it thrives on steep slopes that allow for optimal sun exposure. The grape requires a long growing season to develop its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This is why the location of the vineyard is so important—cooler regions give the wine its crispness, while the length of the growing season ensures the grape develops complex flavors.

Harvest timing plays an important role in shaping the flavor profile of Riesling. When harvested early, it creates a drier, more crisp wine. But a later harvest brings out a sweeter taste, with richer, more honeyed notes.

To keep that signature freshness and floral aroma, Riesling is typically fermented in cooler conditions and aged in stainless steel rather than oak to keep the delicate flavors in tact.

Young vs. Aged Riesling

Younger Rieslings are fresh and fruity, often with floral aromas. As they age, they develop more nutty and honey flavors. With age, Riesling wines also gain a petrol-like aroma... We've never tried it, but petrol doesn't sound that great to us... we're not that sophisticated yet!

A Little About German Labels 🇩🇪

In Germany, wine labeling follows strict rules to indicate the ripeness of the grapes used. Qualitätswein (QbA) represents basic quality Riesling. For higher-quality Rieslings, the term Prädikatswein is used. These wines are made without added sugar and are classified according to their ripeness, with Eiswein (Ice Wine) being one special variety that caught our eye. Eiswein is made from naturally frozen grapes, giving it an intense sweetness and high acidity. We can't wait to give it a try!

Whether you're sipping on a fresh, crisp Riesling or a rich, aged bottle, one thing’s for sure—this grape is as versatile as it is delicious.

What Pairs Well with Riesling?

Try it with:

🔥 Spicy favorites like Jambalaya & Kung Pao Chicken

🍣 Fresh sushi rolls for a refreshing bite

🐟 Grilled salmon to balance richness with acidity Learn more with us and taste a variety of wines and spirits, including custom cocktails with some of our favorites like Kettle One Botanicals and Don Julio at the International Rose & Wine Festival’s collection of events May 8- 11th, 2025!