Did You Know?... About Riesling

Riesling is a white grape, commonly found in cooler climates, like Germany, Austria, and the Alsace region of France. It can also be found in the New World in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and the US (particularly the cooler regions like NY's Finger Lakes).

In style, it ranges from strikingly dry to syrupy sweet, and can even be used to make sparkling wine and late harvest dessert wine. In flavor profile, it tends towards acidity--tart apple, citrus, or stone--but can often include sweeter fruit and honey notes. It is the rare type of white wine that can stand to be aged; most bottles will improve over the course of a year or two, and the richest ones can age for decades. As Riesling ages, it can acquire a "petrol" smell that can be off-putting to some consumers. Others argue the petrol is an important part of the wine.