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Wine Styles & Varietals

Riesling

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
WhiteWhite • Medium10–13% ABVLight bodyMedium sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tannins

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.
  • ✓You prefer lighter, more elegant wines.

Skip if…

  • ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.
  • ✗You want something rich, full-bodied or powerful.

What is Riesling?

A white wine that can range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and flavors of apple, peach, and apricot.

Best For

DessertSweet wine fansWhite

Food Pairings

Indian FoodThai FoodPorkRaw SeafoodSeafoodSpicy Food

Taste & Style

Medium sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsLight bodyAppleCitrusAcidic

Flavour profile

Apple(medium)Citrus(medium)Acidic(medium)

Food pairings

Best for

  • Best with Indian Food
  • Best with Thai Food
  • Best with Pork
  • Apple
  • Citrus

Also known as

Riesling (common_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is Riesling?
A white wine that can range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and flavors of apple, peach, and apricot.
What does Riesling taste like?
Riesling is often described as Apple, Citrus, Acidic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Riesling?
Riesling pairs well with Indian Food, Thai Food, Pork, Raw Seafood. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Riesling?
Riesling typically has an ABV of 10–13%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Riesling?
Riesling works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Riesling?
If you enjoy Riesling, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Riesling improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Riesling depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Riesling with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.