Riesling Wine Information

Riesling is most famous in the wine regions of Germany and France’s Alsace. Riesling is not a hugely popular wine in California, but it is an absolutely refreshing and delicious wine. One only wonders why more people are not taking advantage of this wonderful wine. Perhaps it is the mythical notion that Rieslings are always sweet wines.

• Riesling in California can have many names. We have seen White Riesling, Johannesburg Riesling, Dry Riesling, and once way back in time Wente Brothers Grey Riesling. There are also late harvest Rieslings and they of course are always sweet.

• Riesling can be various degrees of sweetness from very dry to sweet dessert wine. It depends on how the winemaker wishes to make Riesling wine. When ordering a Riesling in a restaurant, always ask about the sweetness of the wine.

• Riesling is a crisp and refreshing wine. It has various floral aromas and flavors. The most prominent being apricot, peach, pear, and lemon.

• Riesling pairs well with lighter foods. Serve Riesling with light to medium cheese, shrimp, and with cracked crab. Sausage and spicy foods work well with Rieslings that have some sweetness to them. 

• Riesling grows in cool climates. Monterey and Mendocino Counties have an ideal climate for Rieslings grapes.

Favorite California Rieslings

• Chateau Montelena Winery – Potter Valley Riesling $18 only at the winery
• Chateau St. Jean
• Firestone Riesling - Bargain Wine at $8
• Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Riesling - Bargain Wine at $8
• Greenwood Ridge
• Handley Cellars
• Trefethen Dry Riesling
• Navarro Vineyards