Definition: Riesling wines originated in Germany's Rhein and Mosel river valleys, it was here that this white grape gained its tenacious foothold in today's modern white wine market. A Riesling wine can span a broad range of styles, being produced in both dry to sweet variations as well as light to full-bodied.

Riesling is one of the wine world's "new" sweethearts, enjoying double-digit market growth and culinary affections worldwide.

Its food pairing versatility and refreshing palate appeal are among the top reasons for this renewed love affair.

German Rieslings are categorized based on their style (levels of dryness) and the grape's ripeness level at harvest (i.e. Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, etc). When looking for a dry style of Riesling, the label's buzz words will be Trocken ("dry" in German) or Halbtrocken ("half-dry" in German).

Flavor Profile:

Riesling wines can be highly aromatic with apple, peach and pear at the forefront mixed with delicate floral undertones and often honey and spice on the nose. On the palate, Rieslings echo the apple, pear and peach along with citrus and tropical nuances. Rieslings tend to pick up a noticeable "minerality" from their native soils, explaining why hints of slate or limestone can be exhibited.

Food Pairings: When it comes to pairing Riesling with food, versatility is the name of the game. Rieslings may well be the most accommodating wine around for pairing with challenging flavors and spice profiles.

From appetizers to desserts, pork, poultry or shellfish, and virtually anything in between the diversity of Riesling styles make them capable of handling just about anything you toss at them including the spice and zest of favored Asian, Mexican or even Moroccan foods.

If you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing and versatile wine, then you have found your match in today’s assortment of Rieslings.

Pronunciation: Rees-ling

Also Known As: Rieslings have a unique Ripeness Classification System that will clue consumers in on whether to expect a light or medium-bodied wine as well as whether the wine will be dry or sweet.

Common Misspellings: Reesling Reeceling Reezling reizling

Examples: When looking for foods to pair with Rieslings think entree and appetizer versatility.