A Kosher Guide To Riesling Wine

Posted in VARIETALS, WINE 101 and WINE & FOOD PAIRINGS

Aug 16, 2023

By Keri Lawrence

Riesling grapes, often misunderstood and under-appreciated, create wines that are highly versatile and food-friendly. In this guide, we will explore Riesling wines and what makes them so special.

What is Riesling Wine?

Riesling stands out as a white grape variety celebrated for its ability to craft wines that showcase a captivating interplay between acidity and flavor. With its origins rooted in Germany, Riesling grapes have garnered worldwide acclaim.
Often considered a "sweet" wine, Riesling actually offers a diverse profile and can have elements of:

Citrus Notes: Lemon, lime, grapefruit for a zesty palate.
Fruity Undertones: Peaches, apricots, green apples for a fruit-forward experience.
Floral Aromas: White blossoms, honeysuckle for an elegant touch.
Mineral Elements: Wet stones, flint for layered flavors.
Balanced Sweetness: Ranging from dry to sweet, harmonizing sweetness and acidity.

Is Riesling A Sweet Wine?

The question of whether Riesling is a dry or sweet wine is a common one. Riesling wines span a spectrum of sweetness levels, and this depends on the winemaking process:

Dry Riesling: If you prefer wines with minimal sweetness, look for "dry" labels. These Rieslings have a crisp and refreshing character. Some recommendations are Hagafen Estate Dry Riesling Napa Valley 2022 , Sheldrake Point Riesling 2021 , Koenig Riesling 2021
Off-Dry Riesling: Labeled as "off-dry" these Rieslings offer a touch of sweetness that balances their acidity, resulting in a versatile and enjoyable taste. The Hagafen Lake County White Riesling 2021 is an excellent example.
Sweet Riesling: For those who enjoy sweeter wines, seek out labels indicating "sweet" or "late-harvest" These Rieslings provide pronounced sweetness with a pleasant acidic backdrop. A great example is Teperberg Impression Late Harvest Riesling 2021.

Kosher Riesling wines are available in a variety of sweetness levels, catering to different taste preferences.

<a href="https://www.kosherwine.com/hagafen-lake-county-white-riesling-15875.html">Lake County White Riesling</a> from Hagafen Winery, crafted with organically farmed grapes from Devoto Vineyards in Napa Valley, offers a tropical bouquet.

Where Does Riesling Come From?

Riesling thrives in cool climates and was originally produced in Germany. Today, German Rieslings are known for their purity and aging potential, often showcasing a seamless balance of acidity and fruitiness. However, the grape has since thrived in other areas of the world, each offering their own unique "sense of place" to Riesling.

France (Alsace): Alsace Rieslings, such as Koenig Riesling 2021, lean towards a drier profile, featuring rich fruitiness and elegant floral notes.
Austria: Austrian Rieslings such as De La Rosa Chai 18 Riesling Italico (Organic) 2020 highlight a balance between minerality and fruitiness, reflecting the terroir of the region.
United States: Rieslings from the US vary in style, from the richer, fuller styles from warmer climates such as Washington's Columbia Valley to the crisp, leaner minerality of those from the Finger Lakes region. We highly recommend trying Sheldrake Point Riesling 2021 and Pacifica Riesling 2021 to understand this difference for yourself.
Israel offers a range of Kosher Rieslings that capture the unique landscape with a range of elevations to cultivate the grape. Some of our favorites are Shiran Riesling 2021 and Ghito Riesling 2021

Go Behind the scenes with Winemaker, Dave Breeden, of Sheldrake Point Winery in this exclusive interview.

How Should Riesling be Served?

Serve Riesling slightly chilled, around 45-55°F (7-13°C). Chilling will enhance the crisp aromatic qualities of the wine.

What Food Pairs Well With Riesling?

Riesling's versatility makes it an excellent companion for a wide range of dishes. Here are some food pairing suggestions to enhance your Riesling experience:

Dry Riesling and Seafood: The acidity of dry Rieslings complements seafood's delicate flavors, making them an ideal match for dishes like grilled fish.
Off-Dry Riesling with Spicy Cuisine: Off-dry Rieslings provide a touch of sweetness to balance spicy dishes, creating a harmonious contrast.
Sweet Riesling and Desserts: Sweet Rieslings harmonize with desserts like fruit tarts, cheesecakes, and even spicy ginger treats.
Riesling and Cheese: The acidity and fruitiness of Riesling cut through the richness of cheeses, from tangy goat cheese to creamy brie.

Does Riesling Age well?

Many Rieslings have excellent aging potential, developing complex flavors over time. Young rieslings exhibit apple, pear, peach flavors with citrus notes and hints of herbs, spices, and minerals. As they age, fruit diminishes, giving way to aromas of beeswax, honey, petrol and more. Residual sweetness melds with acidity for a cohesive texture. Riesling's aging path varies, distinct from other wines. Notably, though, well-made Rieslings shine in youth and with maturity.

Ready to explore the world of Riesling?

Riesling's complex profile offers something for every palate, from the crisp, refreshing dry varieties to the lush sweetness of late-harvest wines. Its compatibility with diverse cuisines makes it a must-try for wine lovers.

At KosherWine.com, we offer a handpicked selection of the finest kosher Riesling wines. Whether you're new to this grape variety, had previous misconceptions about it, or looking to expand your collection, our wine consultants are happy to help guide you in the right direction by calling or texting 845-203-0150. Want to dive even deeper into Riesling and other grape varieties? Consider enhancing your wine knowledge with a class at the KosherWine.com Academy. Click here to learn more!