- Last updated on May 31, 2023
Our Best Riesling Selection
- Best Overall: Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2019
- Best Value: Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling
- Best under $15: Dr Loosen Dr L Riesling
- Best Germany (Dry/Trocken): Leitz Riesling 2020
- Best Germany (Off-Dry/Halbtrocken): Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett 2018
- Best Germany (Dessert): Schloss Johannisberg Grünlack Riesling Spätlese
- Best France: Albert Boxler Réserve Edelzwicker 2019
- Best California: Smith-Madrone Winery & Vineyards Riesling 2017
- Best New York: Hermann J. Wiemer Riesling Semi-Dry 2019
- Best Michigan: Shady Lane Riesling
- Best Washington: Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling
- Best Australia: Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Riesling 2019
- Best Canada: Inniskillin Riesling Icewine 2019
- Best New Zealand: Giesen Riesling
- Best under $15 runner-up: Hans Baer Riesling Trocken 2020
- Best under $20: Dr. L Riesling Dry 2020
- Best under $80: J.J. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese
- Best under $100: J.J. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese
- Best Luxury: Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese
19 Best Riesling Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 19 Best Riesling so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 61% more.
Region: Germany, Mosel
Tasting notes: White Peach, Lemon Fruit, Green Apple, Citrus.
If you’re looking for a German Riesling that exemplifies the heights of Mosel Valley winemaking, look no further than Dr. Loosen’s Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese.
This wine is crafted with the utmost care and precision, and the result is an impeccably balanced, complex and deeply satisfying wine that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Spätlese Riesling or late harvest, comes with more concentrated and riper lemon, lime and peach flavors than Kabinett.Â
On the palate, this wine is rich and full-bodied, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that keeps it fresh and lively.
The flavors are deep and complex, with notes of tropical fruits, honey, and a hint of lemon zest.Â
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the palate.Â
There are at least four things that make this wine the best overall:
1) Extra clarity and finesse compared to the standard Riesling, i.e. it’s a whole different experience on its own.Â
2) Has many layers of complexity yet it is extremely balanced, which means that as you taste it, many layers of flavours will evolve in your mouth in a balanced a gradual way.
3) It offers great value for your money if compared to its peers, as you’ll save several $10s.
4) It can age for 10+ years, unlike other white wines allowing you to enojy over time without any fuss about it going bad.
Overall, Dr. Loosen’s Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese is a stunning example of the Mosel Valley’s winemaking prowess.
Whether you’re a fan of German Rieslings or simply looking for a new wine to try, this Spätlese is not to be missed.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 3 times as much. | 90 points by Wine Enthusiast
Region: Germany, Mosel
Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Lemon, Honey, Pineapple, Mineral.
Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling is a fantastic example of the quality of Riesling coming out of Germany.
The wine boasts a pale straw color and a nose filled with bright citrus and green apple aromas, with hints of floral notes in the background.
On the palate, this Riesling is dry with a vibrant acidity that brings out the flavors of tart lime and juicy peach.
1) It’s refreshing, off-dry and complex, which means that compared to the previous wine, this one is a little sweeter and you’ll perceive more aromas and flavors.
2) It’s a versatile wine, so you can pair it with various dishes from fish, white meat, veggie and of course creamy and semi-hard cheese.
3) It’s a great quality-price ratio. For ~$14 you get a quality Riesling for a very reasonable price.
The finish of Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling is long and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression of bright citrus flavors on the palate.
Give it a try and experience the best of what German Riesling has to offer!
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Popular among Vivino users. More than 6100 ratings
Region: Germany, Mosel
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Pear, Honey.
Dr Loosen Dr L Riesling is a delicious and refreshing white wine that showcases the classic character of the Riesling grape.
This wine is well-balanced, with a bright acidity and subtle sweetness that make it perfect for pairing with a variety of foods or enjoyed on its own.
The three things that make this wine the best budget are:
1) It’s dry, light and refreshing with less fruity aromas and flavors than a Chardonnay. It’ll be a great choice for a light meal or a warm summer day.Â
2) It’s the perfect everyday white that delivers every time.
3) It costs ~$13 which is a good value for the quality you get.
With its crisp and refreshing profile, this wine is a great choice for a warm summer day or a light and satisfying meal.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 4 times as much.
Region: Germany·Rheingau
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Flower, Citrus, Tropical Fruit.
Leitz Riesling is a delightful and easy-drinking wine that showcases the best qualities of the Riesling grape.
With its fresh and vibrant aromas, crisp acidity, and bright fruit flavors, this wine is perfect for any occasion.
It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties and gatherings.
Overall, Leitz Riesling is a must-try for any wine lover looking for a refreshing and delicious white wine.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 33% more.
Region: Germany, Mosel
Tasting notes: Peach, Pineapple, Acacia, Gooseberry, Honey, Elderflower.
Maximin Grunhaus Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett is a refreshing and enjoyable wine, perfect for sipping on a warm day or pairing with a light meal.
The wine’s bright acidity and subtle sweetness make it a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
This wine is a great introduction to German Rieslings and is sure to please both wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Vivino’s 2020 Wine Style Awards: German Riesling (2016 Vintage)
Region: Germany, Rheingau
Tasting notes: Ripe Apricot, Tropical Fruit, Lemon, Honey, Hints of Petrol.
The Schloss Johannisberg Grunlack Riesling Spatlese is a stunning wine that showcases the terroir of the Rheingau region in Germany.
Its complex bouquet of ripe fruit and minerality is matched by a rich and luscious palate, with perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity.
This wine is a true masterpiece of German winemaking, and a must-try for any wine lover.
Read our full review here.
Region: France, Alsace
Tasting notes: White Peach, Pear, Apple, Apricot, Tropical Fruit, White Flowers.
Albert Boxler Réserve Edelzwicker is a delicious and unique blend of Alsatian grape varieties that showcases the winemaker’s artistry and attention to detail.
This wine is complex and balanced, with layers of fruit, floral, and mineral notes that evolve on the palate with each sip.
Its acidity and slight sweetness make it a versatile pairing for a wide range of foods, from spicy Asian cuisine to rich and savory dishes.
Overall, the Albert Boxler Réserve Edelzwicker is a standout wine that is well worth seeking out for anyone looking to explore the diversity and quality of Alsatian wines.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: It currently ranks #1 in Top 20 Californian Riesling wines in United States right now
Region: United States, Spring Mountain District
Tasting notes: Peach, Lime, Green Apple, Tangerine, Apricot, Straw.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards Riesling is a delightful expression of Napa Valley terroir.
It showcases the unique characteristics of the region, with a balanced acidity and minerality that complement the ripe fruit flavors.
This is a wine that can be enjoyed now or aged for further complexity.
It is a great choice for Riesling lovers and those looking for a refreshing white wine with character and depth.
Read our full review here.
Region: United States, Seneca Lake
Tasting notes: Pear, Apricot, Candied Lemon, Orange Blossom, Honey.
Region: United States, Leelanau Peninsula
Tasting notes: Peach, Green Apple, Lemon, Minerals, Honeysuckle.
Vivino’s tips: Winner of Vivino’s 2017 Wine Style Awards: Washington State Riesling (2014 Vintage).Â
Region: United States, Columbia Valley
Tasting notes: Peach, Pineapple, Pear, Apple, Honey, Honeysuckel.
Region: Australia, Clare Valley
Tasting notes: Lemons, Orange Blossom, Hints of Stone Fruit.
Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Riesling is an outstanding wine that truly showcases the quality and character of the Riesling grape.
With its crisp acidity, vibrant fruit flavors, and exceptional quality, it’s easy to see why this wine has gained such a dedicated following among wine enthusiasts and collectors.
Whether you’re a seasoned Riesling fan or just starting to explore the world of Australian wine, Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Riesling is definitely worth trying.
Its outstanding quality and reputation make it a great choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 21 Canadian Ice Wine wines right now
Region: Canada, Niagara Peninsula
Tasting notes: Fresh Orange, Spice, Lemon, Lime, Peach, Apricot, Clove.
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough
Tasting notes: Orange Blossom, Lime, Tangelo, Honeysuckle, Lavender
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 German Riesling wines in California right now (2020 Vintage)
Region: Germany, Rheinhessen
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Pear, Citrus, Tropical Fruit, Straw.
Hans Baer Riesling Trocken is a crisp and refreshing white wine that is perfect for any occasion.
Its lively citrus flavors, subtle mineral notes, and refreshing acidity make it a pleasure to drink, either on its own or paired with a variety of foods.
Its light alcohol content also makes it an excellent choice for enjoying with friends and family.
Overall, Hans Baer Riesling Trocken is a must-try for any wine lover looking for a refreshing and delicious white wine.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 2 times as much.
Region: Germany, Mosel
Tasting notes: Apricot, Lime, Mango, Honeysuckle, Straw.
Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling Dry is an outstanding wine that showcases the purity and complexity of the Riesling grape.
This wine is dry and crisp, with flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, as well as hints of mineral and petrol.
It is perfect for any occasion and pairs well with a wide range of foods. Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling Dry is a must-try for anyone who loves high-quality German wines.
Read our full review here.
Region: Germany, Graach
Tasting notes: Citrus, Apple, Honey, Mineral, Nectarine.
Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese is a truly outstanding wine that showcases the incredible quality and complexity of German Riesling.
With its beautiful golden color, fragrant aromas, and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity on the palate, this wine is a true delight for the senses.
Whether you’re a seasoned Riesling enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of German wine, the Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese is definitely a wine worth trying.
Its exceptional quality and reputation make it a great choice for special occasions, pairing with rich and flavorful dishes, or simply enjoying on its own.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Vivino’s 2020 Wine Style Awards: German Riesling (2004 Vintage)
Region: Germany, Mosel
Tasting notes: Peach, Apricot, Lemon, Tropical Fruit, Candid Ginger, Honeysuckle, Petrol.
Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is an exceptional wine that showcases the finest qualities of German Rieslings.
With its beautiful golden color, intense and complex aromas, and rich, luscious palate, this wine is a true masterpiece.
Whether you’re a seasoned Riesling enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of German wine, the Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is definitely a wine worth trying.
Its exceptional quality and reputation make it a great choice for special occasions, pairing with flavorful dishes, or simply enjoying on its own.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 93 points by Jeff Leve (1971 Vintage)
Region: Germany, Wiltingen
Tasting notes: Smoke, Drier Herb, Ripe Tangerine, Mango, Peach, Honey, Lemon.
Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the best qualities of Riesling grape.
The wine is a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with a rich and complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
It is an excellent choice for a wide range of occasions, from special celebrations to casual dinners, and pairs well with a variety of foods.
If you are a fan of Riesling wines or are simply looking for a high-quality wine to try, Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese is definitely worth trying.
Its outstanding quality and reputation make it a great investment for wine enthusiasts and collectors.
Read our full review here.
Buying Guide to Riesling
It’s not just about which Riesling you should buy.
There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.
The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview of all these topics.
Riesling Overview
Here you find an overview of where Riesling is most commonly planted.
Grape
Riesling
ABV
9%–12%
Main Regions
Germany: Mosel, Rheinhessen, Rheingau and Pfalz.
France: Alsace
Other Regions
Australia, Austria, Canada, New Zealand, Northern Italy,
South Africa,
USA: California, Michigan, New York, Washington,
Grape
Riesling
ABV
9%–12%
Main Regions
Germany: Mosel, Rheinhessen, Rheingau and Pfalz.
France: Alsace
Other Regions
Australia, Austria, Canada, New Zealand, Northern Italy,
South Africa,
USA: California, Michigan, New York, Washington,
Riesling Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Riesling.
Color
Pale Lemon to Deep Gold
Nose
Apple, Pear,
Lemon, Lime (just-ripe)
Peach, Apricot,
Tropical Fruit,
Dried Fruit (ripe),
Gasoline (aged)
Palate
Green & Citrus Fruit (just-ripe)
Stone & Tropical Fruit (ripe)
Dry to Sweet
High Acidity
Light to Full Body
Color
Pale Lemon to Deep Gold
Nose
Apple, Pear,
Lemon, Lime (just-ripe)
Peach, Apricot,
Tropical Fruit,
Dried Fruit (ripe),
Gasoline (aged)
Palate
Green & Citrus Fruit (just-ripe)
Stone & Tropical Fruit (ripe)
Dry to Sweet
High Acidity
Light to Full Body
Riesling Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Riesling.
Riesling is a versatile wine and it’s high acidity makes is good match with salty food. If you prefer the sweet Riesling, you’ll find that it’ll match very well with spicy food.
Appetizer
French Fries,
Salty Olives,
Salami,
Onion, Carrot,
Eggplant
Meat
Chinese Cuisine,
Thai Cuisine,
Tex-Mex,
Roasted Pork, Duck and Goose
Fish
White Fish,
Shrimp,
Crab
Cheese
Semi Hard (Parmigiano, Pecorino)
Creamy Cheese (Camembert, Brie)
Appetizer
French Fries,
Salty Olives,
Salami,
Onion, Carrot,
Eggplant
Meat
Chinese Cuisine,
Thai Cuisine,
Tex-Mex,
Roasted Pork, Duck and Goose
Fish
White Fish,
Shrimp,
Crab
Cheese
Semi Hard (Parmigiano, Pecorino)
Creamy Cheese (Camembert, Brie)
Serve and Store Riesling
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store Barbaresco.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Fortified (Sweet wine)
Chardonnay /
Viognier (all others)
Serve at
43 - 46 °F
6 - 8 °C
Store for
Up to 10+ years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Fortified (Sweet wine)
Chardonnay /
Viognier (all others)
Serve at
43 - 46 °F
6 - 8 °C
Store for
Up to 10+ years
Riesling Styles
You’ll find that Riesling is produced worldwide in a variety of styles. Here will primarily focus on the top 6 Riesling styles.
Germany is the biggest producer of Riesling in the world and has primarily a cool climate.
You’ll find high acidity wine, dry to sweet Riesling and even sparkling version of it, aka Sekt.
Check out the next section on how to read a German Riesling label to better navigate this vast and interesting world.
The two primary features of a German Riesling is that it’s almost always produced in purity, i.e. no blending, and it’s rarely aged in oak.
France or better Alsace AOC is another large producer of Riesling. It’s the dry and sunny wine-producing region as such grapes ripen slowly and gradually.
French Riesling has a higher alcohol content, usually 12%, than the German style and it’s dry. It is more rounded thanks to its ageing in steel tank or oak barrel.
Expect a high acidity and medium body wine with stone fruit and ripe citrus fruit flavors and blossom aromas.
Similarly to the German Riesling they can age decades in bottle developing honey and dried fruit flavors.
Australia‘s best Riesling production is from Eden Valley and Clare Valley (South Australia).
You’ll generally find dry and crisp Riesling with oily texture and intense aromas of lime, peach and blossom.Â
Austrian Riesling is usually dry, with high alcohol content up to 13% and medium plus body.Â
Long finish and a hint of white pepper are the usual trademark of this style that gives it’s best generally after 5 years.Â
USA has at least 4 areas known for their Riesling, although for different reasons.
- New York produces light body Riesling from dry to sweet and ice wine.
- California produces good quality late harvest, although somewhat different from the German equivalent.
- Washington produces easy drinking Riesling with high acidity, light body with mineral and peach notes.
- Michigan is known for its ice wine production.
Canada, and in particular the Niagara region, is a major producer of high quality ice wine that could compete with Germany.
Along with ice wine, you’ll find rich Riesling dry to off-dry produced here.Â
How To Read German Riesling Label
Grape ripeness is quite of a challenge in Germany due its cool climate.
To grade the level of ripeness they come up with 3 categories and 6 sub-categories, so that you can pick exactly what you are after!
1. Landwein are usually dry to off-dry light body wine.
2. Qualitätswein are wines of a superior quality and have more intense flavor and fuller body.
The grapes must come from one of the 13 German wine regions and have a higher level of ripeness.
You will find them in dry, aka Trocken, off-dry, aka Halbtrocken, and sweet, aka Süss.
3. Prädikatswein are wines with more stringent requirement than Qualitätswein and have a higher content of sugar.Â
You’ll find 6 sub-categories depending on the level of sugar present in the grapes at the time of harvest.Â
To make your life easier, I’ll list them here for you in ascending order of the level of sugar required at the time of harvest.
- Kabinett is the most delicate and lightest of the 6 with typical notes of lime, green apple and blossom.
- Spätlese or late harvest, spät in German means “late”, are fuller body wines with more concentrated and riper aromas than Kabinett, like ripe lemon and peach.
- Auslese or selected harvest, are usually sweet wines but you’ll find dry version too.
Only carefully selected extra-ripe grapes are picked here and the result are apricot, dried fruits and mango flavours. - Eiswine or ice wine, are made from grape that have frozen on the vine.
Botrytis or Noble Rot [1] has no role in the production of ice wine.Expect intense apricot, peach, pineapple and mango aromas from this outstanding wines.
Eiswine are usually expensive as they are labour intense, yields are very small and specific weather conditions are required.
- Beerenauslese/BA or selected berry harvest, wines are produced from grapes affected by Botrytis. Expect flavors of apricot, mango, honey and dry fruit.
- Trockenbeerenauslese/TBA or selected dried berry harvest, are rare wines with very concentrated flavors made from berries dried by the effect of Botrytis.
Our Verdict
What to do next?
Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!
Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay , Souvignon Blanc and Champagne?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Riesling.
What does Riesling mean?
It’s not yet clear what’s the origin of the Riesling name.
One of the most accredited assumptions is that it comes from the German word “verrieseln” in reference of the difficulties it finds in flowering in cold weather.
What is Riesling history?
Riesling has been known for many centuries although, to these days the origin of its name are note yet clear.
The first documented reference is from the 15th century in Germany. Other references are present in Alsace and Austria as well.
Today it is considered within the top three varieties along with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Where does Riesling grow best?
When is the perfect time to drink Riesling?
Given its high versatility and the fact that it’s produced in so many styles and at all level of sweetness, every occasion is a good occasion to have a nice bottle of Riesling.Â
If you go through our guide above, you’ll get quite a lot of details on the various styles and what to expect from them so that you can always get your best from your wine.
Is Riesling sweet?
Riesling is produced at all level of sweetness. The sweetness level of a wine is expressed in grams of sugar per liter, aka g/L, or as a percentage.Â
- A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
- An off dry wine contains between 15-30 g/L.
- A sweet wine contains between 50-100 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Where does the petrol aroma in Riesling come from?
Some Riesling display a petrol note and the caused appear to be a TDN compound, which is formed during the aging process.
Other factors that could contribute to the production of this aromas are high sun exposure, ripeness of the grapes and high acidity, which is a feature of high quality Riesling.
Is there an International Riesling Day?
Yes there is and it’s the 13th March of each year and it is recognised as the birthday of Riesling.
What’s Riesling's typical price range?
Riesling is an affordable wines, you’ll find good entry level bottle between $10-$20.
Great bottles will generally priced around $30-$50 price range.
Outstanding bottles and usually ice wine, spätlese and auslese can go up to $100.
For those of you who are after the luxury segment be prepared to spend several $100s.
