- Last updated on March 22, 2023

Welcome! This is our Giesen Riesling review.
Giesen Riesling is a highly regarded wine produced by the Giesen family in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.
Known for their commitment to sustainable practices and passion for winemaking, the Giesen family has created a wine that truly captures the essence of the region.
Made from 100% Riesling grapes, this wine is known for its crisp acidity, floral aromas, and vibrant flavors.
Find below our Giesen Riesling full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Giesen Riesling Review
- Brand: Giesen Estate
- Grape Varietal: Riesling
- Region: New Zealand, Marlborough
- Tasting Notes: Citrus & Peach notes
- Glass & Serving: Chardonnay / 43-46 °F (6-8 °C) / Don’t decant
- Storage: Up to 10+ years
- Price Range: ~$15
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Giesen Riesling review: What's its color?
Giesen Riesling wine has a bright, pale-yellow color that is characteristic of a young Riesling.
When swirled, it forms thin, fast-moving tears on the side of the glass, indicating a low alcohol content and a light, refreshing body.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Giesen Riesling review: What are the flavors?
Giesen Riesling is entirely made with Riesling grapes.
On the nose, it is aromatic and complex, with dominant floral notes of white flowers, jasmine, and honeysuckle.
There are also hints of citrus, such as lemon and lime, and stone fruits, such as peach and apricot.
The aroma is fresh and vibrant, with a subtle sweetness that adds to its complexity.
On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
The flavors are dominated by citrus, with lemon and lime notes leading the way, complemented by green apple and tropical fruit flavors.
The wine has a light, effervescent body and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate.
Giesen Riesling wine sweet?
Yes, it is moderately sweet. Giesen Riesling wine is a medium sweet wine.
Medium sweet wine contains between 30-50 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Giesen Riesling review: Which food pairs well with it?
Giesen Riesling is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes, from spicy Asian cuisine to grilled seafood.
It is particularly well-suited to dishes with a bit of heat, such as Thai green curry or spicy shrimp stir-fry.
The wine’s crisp acidity and refreshing sweetness also make it a great match for light salads and fruit-based desserts.
Giesen Riesling review: What's its alcohol content?
Giesen Riesling wine’s alcohol content is 10%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Giesen Riesling wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per gram vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per gram of carbs, which include sugar.
Since it’s a medium sweet wine it will contain a bit more than 130 calories per 5-ounce glass.
What is Giesen Estate?
Here is an extract from the Giesen Estate website:
“The Giesen brothers have always aspired to create great wines that people around the world love. Whatever the occasion, there’s a Giesen wine to match.“
Conclusion
In conclusion, Giesen Riesling is a beautifully balanced wine that showcases the best of New Zealand winemaking.
Its bright, floral aromas and crisp, refreshing flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delicious meal.
With its commitment to sustainability and passion for winemaking, the Giesen family has created a wine that truly captures the essence of the Marlborough region, and is definitely worth trying for any wine enthusiast.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!