Riesling

Riesling – The multi-faceted grape variety from Germany

Riesling is one of the finest and most versatile white wine varieties in the world. It has its origins in Germany, where it has been documented since the 15th century. Today, it is the dominant grape variety in German wine-growing regions such as Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz and Nahe, but has also established itself in regions such as Alsace, Austria, Australia and the USA.

The special thing about Riesling is its expressive acidity and the enormous range of styles – from dry & mineral to noble sweet & opulent. Aromas of citrus fruit, green apple, peach and floral notes are typical, while mature Rieslings often develop a mineral or slightly petrol-like note.

But why is Riesling perfect for food pairings? Thanks to its fresh acidity, elegant fruitiness and pronounced minerality, it goes well with a wide range of dishes – from Asian cuisine to fish and seafood to spicy or slightly hot dishes.

➡ Which dishes harmonize best with Riesling? Here you’ll find the ideal food pairings for different Riesling styles!

🥂 Riesling & food – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Dry & mineral Riesling (e.g. Mosel, Rheingau, Alsace, Austria)

Taste: Precise, mineral, crisp acidity, fine fruit
Typical aromas: green apple, lime, apricot, slate, white flowers

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Fish & seafood → Fried pikeperch, sushi, oysters
✔ Asian cuisine (not too spicy) → Summer rolls, Vietnamese dishes
✔ Light vegetable dishes with acid or herbs → Asparagus, fennel, kohlrabi

➡ Recommended recipes:

• Fried pikeperch with herb butter & asparagus
• Ceviche with mango & coriander

2️⃣ Fruity, semi-dry Riesling (e.g. Pfalz, Nahe, Finger Lakes, New York)

Taste: Slightly sweet fruit, fine acid balance, aromatic
Typical aromas: Ripe peach, apricot, honeydew melon, orange blossom

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Asian & spicy cuisine → Thai curry, duck with hoisin sauce
✔ Spicy cheese & mild heat → Blue cheese, camembert with figs
✔ Aromatic vegetable dishes → Pumpkin, roasted peppers

➡ Recommended recipes:

• Pasta with prawns & lemon and garlic sauce
• Chicken breast with wild garlic risotto & roasted hazelnuts

3️⃣ Noble sweet Riesling (e.g. Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein)

Taste: Intensely sweet, opulent, complex fruit, high acidity
Typical aromas: honey, candied fruit, passion fruit, caramel

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Hot & exotic dishes → Indian curry, Szechuan cuisine
✔ Sweet dishes & desserts → Apple strudel, crème brûlée, cheesecake
✔ Strong cheese → Blue cheese, Roquefort

➡ Recommended recipes:

• Apple strudel with vanilla sauce & roasted almonds
• Creamy blue cheese with figs & honey

🔍 Riesling & food pairing at a glance

📌 Tip: If you are unsure, choose a semi-dry Riesling – it goes well with many dishes and brings a fine balance of sweetness and acidity!

🚀 Conclusion: Why Riesling is the perfect food grape variety

Riesling is one of the most versatile grape varieties, as it is available in different levels of sweetness and acidity. This makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes – from light fish dishes to spicy Asian dishes and sweet desserts.

📌 Whether dry & mineral or sweet & opulent – Riesling offers the perfect wine accompaniment for every dish! 🍷

➡ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀