The history of the grape variety

According to some historians, the origins of this grape variety date back to Roman times, when the Romans called it “argitis minor”.
argitis minor
“. The word Rieslingen is first mentioned in 1435 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. By the end of the 15th century, the variety had made its way to Alsace, where its qualities were not fully recognized until the 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1960s that it became Alsace’s leading grape variety in terms of surface area.

A recent DNA test revealed that Riesling is a cross between Gouais B and Traminer B.

Where is it grown today?

More than 60,000 hectares of Riesling vines are planted worldwide, in Germany, France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, California, Central Europe and Russia.

Originally from Germany, most Riesling is still produced there. In France, it is found almost exclusively in the eastern Alsace region. It is grown in the Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru and Crémant d’Alsace appellations.

How is it grown?

The skin of the grape is quite thin and therefore requires care. Vines can be planted anywhere, but thrive best on schist and granite. A noble grape variety, Riesling has a strong identity and assertive character.

However, it is sensitive to frost and certain diseases, such as noble rot, which produces sweeter, softer wines.

How to recognize it?

Riesling wines are characteristic of their Alsace terroir. They have great aromatic complexity and can be made into dry, semi-dry and sweet wines.

Blind tasting reveals notes of citrus, yellow fruit and white flowers. On granite terroirs, floral aromas dominate, while on more sedentary terroirs we find more complexity with aromas of argums and yellow fruits.

Riesling wines

Riesling can be made into dry, semi-dry and sweet wines. It is generally found in the Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru appellations.

Generally speaking, it is vinified as a single grape variety, but for crémants or in the Grand Cru Kaefferkopf appellation, it can be blended with other grape varieties such as Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Food and wine pairing

To be enjoyed between 10 and 12 degrees, Riesling is a noble wine perfect for gastronomy. It goes perfectly with grilled fish or fish cooked in butter, poultry in sauce (such as coq au Riesling) and cheeses such as fresh goat’s cheese.

When mellow, Riesling can be paired with foie gras or cheeses such as aged Munster or Roquefort.