Riesling

Riesling ( REE-sling, REEZ-ling, German: [ˈʁiːslɪŋ] ) is a white grape variety that is believed to have originated from the Rhine Valley region of western Germany, before later being traced to the Alsace region by 1470 and Austria by 1700. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are usually varietally pure and are seldom oaked. As of 2004, Riesling was estimated to be the world's 20th most grown variety at 48,700 hectares (120,000 acres) (with an increasing trend), but in terms of importance for quality wines, it is usually included in the "top three" white wine varieties together with Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Riesling is a variety that is highly "terroir-expressive", meaning that the character of Riesling wines is greatly influenced by the wine's place of origin.

In cooler regions, such as the Mosel in Germany, Riesling wines often display apple and tree fruit notes with pronounced acidity that is sometimes balanced by residual sugar. As a late-ripening variety, Riesling can develop citrus and peach notes in warmer areas such as the Palatinate, Alsace, and parts of Austria. In Australia, Riesling is often noted for a characteristic lime note that tends to emerge in examples from the Clare Valley and Eden Valley in South Australia.

Riesling's naturally high acidity and pronounced fruit flavors give wines made from the grape good aging potential, with well-made vintages often developing smokey, honey notes, and aged German Rieslings, in particular, taking on a "petrol" character, as a result of the development of the compound TDN.

In 2015, Riesling was the most grown variety in Germany with 23.0% and 23,596 hectares (58,310 acres), and in the French region of Alsace with 21.9% and 3,350 hectares (8,300 acres).