This wine is often consumed young to get the most out of the fruit flavours. Riesling is a white grape variety used to produce white wine, and can now be found within most winemaking regions around the world. Riesling is often used in the production of dessert wine and Icewine due to its sweetness. Its origins date all the way back to 15th century Germany. Recent technology has determined that one of the parents of Riesling is a grape called Gouais Blanc, a grape that is rarely found today.
Riesling produces a pale-coloured, light to medium-bodied white wine. It tends to have an initial signature aroma of petrol or gasoline, which gives way to very aromatic notes of pear, apple, nectarine, apricot, and hints of honey and ginger. Riesling wines are typically very high in acid; they are also often off-dry but can be produced in a dry style.
Although Riesling is often consumed young, it has high acidity and can benefit from ageing. Within Ontario, Riesling is often used for producing Icewine, specifically in Niagara.
Riesling is very versatile in terms of food pairings, but tends to go especially well with spicy dishes – the acidity and sugar will balance out the heat. Serve cold for the best experience.
In summary, Riesling has the following characteristics:
White grape variety that’s used to produce white wine
Origins come from 15th century Germany
Riesling can now be found in most winemaking regions
Often used in the production of dessert wine and Icewine because of its sweetness
Produces a pale-coloured, light to medium-bodied wine
Riesling wines are often consumed young to get the most out of the flavours
Can benefit from ageing due to high acidity
Produced throughout Canada in Ontario, BC and Nova Scotia
