Riesling is considered one of the world's noblest white grapes. It's aromatic, high in acidity and expresses terroir with unusual precision — ranging from bone dry to nobly sweet.
How it tastes
Lime, green apple and peach, often with a clear mineral, almost petrol-like note with age. The high acidity keeps the wine lively and fresh regardless of sweetness.
The styles
German Riesling is graded by the grape's sugar at harvest: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and up. The wine can be dry (trocken) or sweet. Alsace and Austria usually make dry, fuller styles.
Where it grows
Germany is its home — especially the steep slate slopes of the Mosel, which give light, mineral wines with low alcohol. Alsace, Austria and Australia's Clare Valley are classics too.
Why it ages well
The high acidity is a natural preservative. Fine Rieslings can develop for decades, building complex notes of honey and dried fruit.