Wines
Riesling
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- White
- White • Medium
- 10–13% ABV
- Light body
- Medium sweetness
- medium-high acidity
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.
At a Glance
10–13%ABV
MediumSweetness
medium-highAcidity
LowTannin
LightBody
10°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Riesling?
A white wine that can range from dry to sweet, with high acidity and flavors of apple, peach, and apricot.
Taste profile
Medium sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsLight bodyAppleCitrusAcidic
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: White
- ABV range: 10–13%
- Light body
- Medium sweetness
- Body
- Light
- Sweetness
- Medium
- Acidity
- medium-high
- Tannin
- Low
- Apple · medium intensity — General Riesling flavour reference. Not venue evidence.
- Citrus · medium intensity — General Riesling flavour reference. Not venue evidence.
- Acidic · medium intensity — General Riesling flavour reference. Not venue evidence.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Riesling
- Region(s)
- Germany, Alsace, Austria, Australia, United States
- Country
- Germany / International
Principal wine regions
A principal grape in Alsace, Ontario — explore the regions known for it.
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 10°C
- Glassware
- White wine glass
Food pairings
- Indian Food
- Thai Food
- Pork
- Raw Seafood
- Seafood
- Spicy Food
When to serve
DessertSweet wine fansWhite
- Best with Indian Food
- Best with Thai Food
- Best with Pork
- Apple
- Citrus
Dietary
How Riesling fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Also known as
Riesling (common_name)
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- Chenin BlancBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium); shared acidic, apple notes.
- Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc)Both white styles; light body; shared acidic, citrus, apple notes.
- GewurztraminerBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium).
- AirenBoth white styles; light body; shared citrus, apple notes.
- Sauvignon BlancBoth white styles; light body; shared citrus notes.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
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.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.