German Riesling Styles
Explore the diverse world of German Rieslings, from crisp and dry to lusciously sweet. Each style offers a unique expression of terroir and craftsmanship.
Kabinett
Light-bodied, low-alcohol wines made from ripe grapes. Often off-dry to medium-sweet.
Characteristics:
- Delicate
- Floral
- Crisp acidity
- Low alcohol
Food Pairings:
- Light salads
- Mild cheeses
- Seafood
Spätlese
Fuller-bodied wines made from very ripe grapes. Can be dry (trocken) or sweet.
Characteristics:
- Rich
- Complex
- Stone fruit flavors
- Balanced acidity
Food Pairings:
- Spicy Asian cuisine
- Roasted poultry
- Soft cheeses
Auslese
Made from select bunches of very ripe grapes. Usually sweet, but can be dry (trocken).
Characteristics:
- Concentrated
- Honeyed notes
- Tropical fruit flavors
- Long finish
Food Pairings:
- Foie gras
- Blue cheeses
- Fruit-based desserts
Beerenauslese (BA)
Made from individually selected overripe grapes, often affected by noble rot.
Characteristics:
- Lusciously sweet
- Botrytis influence
- Dried fruit flavors
- High acidity
Food Pairings:
- Rich desserts
- Strong blue cheeses
- Foie gras
Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)
The richest and sweetest style, made from individually selected shriveled grapes.
Characteristics:
- Extremely sweet
- Intense concentration
- Honey and caramel notes
- Very long aging potential
Food Pairings:
- Dessert on its own
- Aged hard cheeses
- Meditation wine
Eiswein
Made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine and pressed while still frozen.
Characteristics:
- Very sweet
- High acidity
- Pure fruit flavors
- Incredible concentration
Food Pairings:
- Fruit tarts
- Blue cheeses
- Foie gras
Why German Riesling?
German Riesling is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality, versatility, and ability to express terroir. With a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and vibrant acidity, these wines offer unparalleled food-pairing possibilities and aging potential. From the steep slate slopes of the Mosel to the sundrenched vineyards of the Pfalz, each region imparts its unique character to the noble Riesling grape, resulting in a fascinating spectrum of wines that cater to every palate and occasion.