Riesling Characteristics

Question 1

What is the skin type of Riesling grapes?

Answer 1

Thick-skinned (but can make both dry and sweet wines)

Question 2

What are the budding and ripening characteristics of Riesling?

Answer 2

Early budding, late ripening

Question 3

What is the tannin level in Riesling?

Answer 3

Low

Question 4

What is the acidity level in Riesling?

Answer 4

High

Question 5

What is the sweetness level of Riesling?

Answer 5

Highly variable (from bone dry to very sweet)

Question 6

What is the typical alcohol percentage in Riesling?

Answer 6

Typically 8-14% (can be higher in very sweet styles)

Question 7

What is the color range of Riesling?

Answer 7

Pale yellow to golden yellow (can develop petrol notes with age)

Question 8

What is the sugar level in Riesling?

Answer 8

Highly variable (from very low to very high)

Question 9

What are the primary flavors of Riesling?

Answer 9

Fruit (green apple, lime, apricot, peach), floral (honeysuckle)

Question 10

What are the other flavors found in Riesling?

Answer 10

Mineral (slate, petrol), honey (in sweeter styles)

Question 11

What are the major regions for Riesling?

Answer 11

Germany (Mosel, Rheingau), Alsace (France), Austria (Wachau), Washington State (USA), Clare & Eden Valleys (Australia)

Question 12

What are the notable styles of Riesling?

Answer 12

Dry (Trocken), Off-Dry (Halbtrocken), Sweet (Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein)

Question 13

What are the challenges faced in Riesling production?

Answer 13

Achieving optimal ripeness in cooler climates, botrytis risk in humid conditions

Question 14

What foods pair well with Riesling?

Answer 14

Spicy Asian cuisine, seafood, pork, fruit-based desserts (depending on sweetness level)