Are there different types of Riesling wines available? If yes, what are the options that are in the market?
As the answer to this question can be full of details, I’ll keep mine simple.
Riesling is one of those international, all-rounder grapes – able to produce dry to sweet versions and everything in between. Each country makes multiple styles, so no generic answer guarantees what’s in the bottle unless the label gives more clues.
- Australian Riesling, dry with lime characteristics (V. refreshing).
- Austrian Riesling is reliably dry, often mineral.
- German Riesling – all types.
- Alsace Riesling – more decadent but still dry, semi-sweet options are also available.
- New York state, dry.
- Washington & Oregon, dry
- Chilean, dry, worth trying out.
- South Africa, mixed styles.
If you look at the alcohol content, it will give you a clue about the residual sugar in the bottle; less than 12% and there’s sweetness in it, but if there is plenty of acidity, then it won’t necessarily taste over-sweet; over 13% and it’ll be on the drier side, but again sweetness can be found and dominant depending on the acidity, which is region and vintage dependent.
Riesling is, without a doubt, a great grape to pick and enjoy!
