The refreshing world of the historic riesling wine varies a lot from bottle to bottle, with Germany being its native home but delicious blends from France and Australia too.
Generally, you can expect high acidity across the board with drier styles emanating from French and Australian producers, as well as certain German areas, whilst areas like the Mosel Valley in Germany are famous for a sweeter riesling.
In terms of flavour, there may be floral blossom tones, citrus is common, as is peach amongst the sweeter blends. Rare for a white wine, there is even aged riesling which you may associate with a petrol or rubber profile.
Don’t let the mishmash of styles put you off trying it though, it just means that there’s likely to be one you fall in love with! So, let’s find out which one that might be...
The BEst Riesling UNDER £10
Aldi Specially Selected Clare Valley Riesling
This is a classic Australian bone-dry style from the prestigious Clare Valley that represents superb value considering where it’s from. Green apple and zesty lime bring tremendous freshness and it won’t let you down beside hard cheeses and anything with a hint of spice.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.49
Dr. Loosen Estate Riesling 2020
A stunning embodiment of the sloped slate-soil Mosel Valley vineyards, Dr. Loosen Estate has noticeably less alcohol than many rieslings, instead a mineral nose and more pronounced fruit with cutting lemon and touches of peach, apple, and melon. Serve alongside your milder curries and it’ll stand up perfectly.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.5%
Find here: £7.90
Villa Maria Private Bin Rielsing 2021
Heading over to New Zealand and more specifically Marlborough, an area better known for its sauvignon blanc but producing some riesling gems too. It’s refreshingly dry, crisp, and fruity with ripe lime taking centre stage and a loveable spring blossom florality that offsets elegant minerality really nicely.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.99 (usually more!)
The BEst Riesling for £10-£15
Definition Mosel Riesling 2020/21
This is the benchmark bottle for the most classic style of riesling from the most well-known home of riesling in Mosel. The lime feels fresh and the minerality with subtle rubber is inviting on the nose. The palate is not cloying whatsoever, with plenty of acidity to slice through the touch of sweetness. Ernst and Thomas Loosen are behind this expression, and their ancestors have been making wine there for centuries. With the International Wine Challenge (IWC) award for this wine in the bag, their success looks set to continue.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £11.99 (£9.99 Mix Six price)
Wakefield Estate Riesling 2019
Nestled in the picturesque Clare Valley of Southern Australia is the generational Wakefield Estate, producing this New World riesling that’s light and vibrant with citrus but subtler tropical notes. It’s tangier and sweeter than most, and whilst still acidic, it’s more of a kick than full domination so if that’s holding you back from trying this wonderful grape then this is the one for you. It’s food friendly all the way too!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.71 (usually more!)
Kendermanns Kalkstein Riesling Trocken 2021
Green fruits star in this quintessential Pfalz riesling, a beautiful landscape between the Rhine and the Haardt mountains. The acidity here is noticeably fresh, with gooseberries, apple and lemon zest intertwining wonderfully. The touch of minerality adds elegance and it would sing served alongside smoked salmon or many cheeses.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.20
The BEst Riesling for £20-£30
Schlumberger Grand Cru Kittrelee Riesling 2005
Alsace riesling tends to be bone dry with robust acidity, an elegant bouquet and often complex minerality and floral aromas... and that’s exactly what Domaines Schlumberger has made. Behind that stunning gorgeous amber is a zesty nose with a touch of intriguing petrol, and a powerfully structured palate of candied lemon, apricot and apples. It hits all the Alsace traits but it’s expressive and distinct in its own right and one of the most interesting aged rieslings around.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £29.99
The Best Dessert Riesling
Heggies Vineyard Botrytis Riesling
A little different from the rest of the bottles in this list, the Eden Valley Heggies Botrytis is tailor-made for citrus desserts, as well as pâté and cheese. Cardamon, nutmeg, and floral notes welcome you into a rich and sweet palate. Think marmalade, pineapple, and candied zest as well as a mineral acidity running throughout for balance and silky texture. It’s a gloriously sweet riesling but the seam of acidity means it’s refreshing too, rather than cloying. Anything like poached pears, key lime pie, or lemon tarte would be a dream pairing, as well as crème brulee and blue cheese.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £14.99
Riesling is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Australian Wine, so explore the lush world of Down Under wine here.