Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Riesling sweet or dry?
A: Riesling can be dry, off-dry, or sweet, so it really depends on the bottle. A good clue is the label language, like “dry” or “off-dry,” plus the alcohol level, since lower alcohol often means a touch more sweetness. If you are unsure, start with off-dry, it is usually the easiest crowd-pleaser.
Q: What does a Riesling wine typically taste and smell like?
A: Expect bright acidity, like a squeeze of lemon, with flavours like green apple, pear, peach, and sometimes honey or ginger. Some Riesling also shows a “petrol” note, which sounds odd but can come across like flinty minerality. It is one of those grapes that can be super aromatic without feeling heavy.
Q: Who is the Riesling collection best for, beginners or wine geeks?
A: Honestly, both. If you are newer to wine, Riesling is forgiving because the fruit and freshness are easy to enjoy, especially slightly off-dry styles. If you already love wine, it is a fun grape to explore because it can be bone-dry, sweet, young and zippy, or beautifully age-worthy.
Q: What food goes best with Riesling, especially if I am ordering from the Riesling collection for dinner?
A: Riesling is one of my go-to picks for spicy food because a bit of sweetness and high acidity can calm the heat. It also works with sushi, smoked salmon, pork, and salty snacks, think cheddar, chips, and Friday-night takeout. Serve it well chilled, it keeps the whole thing crisp and refreshing.
Q: Why does some Riesling smell like gasoline, and is that a flaw?
A: It is usually not a flaw, it is a classic aged-Riesling aroma that some people love and others do not. It can show up as “petrol,” “kerosene,” or “flinty,” and it tends to be more noticeable as the wine evolves in bottle. If that note worries you, stick to younger, fruit-forward Rieslings and you will likely see more apple and peach than anything else.
