If I say the word Riesling, what comes to mind?
For many people, the answer is simple: sweet wine.
For decades, Riesling has carried the reputation of being sugary or dessert-like, often associated with inexpensive wines that were popular in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. Because of that history, many wine drinkers today still assume that all Rieslings are sweet, and some avoid them altogether.
But here’s the truth: Riesling is one of the most versatile and expressive grapes in the entire wine world. And many of the greatest Rieslings are actually bone dry, vibrant, and incredibly food-friendly.
In fact, Riesling may be the most misunderstood grape varieties on the planet.
A Grape with Many Personalities
One of the reasons Riesling is so fascinating is that it can produce wines across a wide range of styles—from completely dry to intensely sweet.
Depending on where it is grown and how it is made, a Riesling might be:
• Bone dry and crisp with bright citrus and mineral notes
• Off-dry and refreshing with a subtle touch of sweetness
• Rich and textured with flavors of ripe stone fruit
• Lusciously sweet dessert wine balanced by vibrant acidity
Very few grapes in the world can span such a wide stylistic spectrum while still maintaining their distinctive character.
A Window into Place
Riesling is also one of the wine world’s greatest translators of terroir, the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography where a wine is grown.
In the steep slate vineyards of the Mosel, Rieslings are often light, delicate, and intensely mineral-driven. Across the border in Alsace, the wines tend to be fuller-bodied and typically dry, showing powerful aromas of citrus, peach, and spice.
Meanwhile, in Australia’s Clare Valley, Rieslings are famous for their laser-like acidity and bright lime character, while the cool-climate vineyards of the Finger Lakes produce beautifully balanced wines that range from dry to lightly off-dry.
A Wine Worth Rediscovering
For those who have avoided Riesling in the past, it may be time for a second look.
Today, winemakers around the world are producing Rieslings that showcase incredible purity, energy, and complexity. From crisp and dry to gently off-dry and elegantly sweet, there is truly a Riesling for every palate.
And once people begin exploring the range of styles this grape can produce, many are surprised to discover that Riesling quickly becomes one of their favorite wines.
May Wine Circle
At our upcoming May Wine Circle, we’ll explore Rieslings that highlight just how diverse and exciting this grape can be. Some will be bright and dry, others may show a touch of sweetness, but all of them will help you discover why Riesling might just become your new favorite grape!
So come join us on Thursday, May 7, from 6:00-7:30 pm at a Wilmington location TBD.
The first Thursday of each month, up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.
Wilmington Wine Circle 