Riesling is a delightfully aromatic and elegant white wine that is often overlooked. The bold and delicious flavor of riesling has remained one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets for decades. However, riesling’s popularity has been steadily growing as wine lovers everywhere begin to recognize its unique flavor and versatility. If you want a wine that’s refreshing and perfect for Spring weather, riesling is your new best friend. Before we dive into how riesling is made, let’s take a look into the history.

History of Riesling

Riesling is one of those wines that age well and can be enjoyed years and years after bottling. It’s a true rarity!

The history of Riesling wine dates back to the Rhine wine region in Germany. The first reference of Riesling was recorded here in 1435. Since the first Riesling was planted, riesling has been a staple for German nobles. Nobles in Germany would even take bottles of Riesling with them on their travels or in business dealings throughout Europe.

The growing popularity of the wine among high-class Germans resulted in stockpiles of Riesling in cellars all over the country. Because riesling ages well, it stores perfectly in casks.

Its surprising ability to age well is attributed to its strong acidity and high levels of antioxidants. Riesling grapes retain large amounts of acidity even after they reach full maturity, which results in an acidic wine with excellent taste. Riesling wines are made sweeter do amazingly when aged for decades.

Throughout history, Riesling was a hot commodity but, in the 1980s the wine gradually faded into the background. During this time, drier wines were all over Vogue while Riesling became a wine connoisseur’s secret. It might go without saying that an elegant and sophisticated wine like riesling can’t stay a secret for long!

By the 1990s, Riesling began rising in popularity again as wine lovers all over rediscovered this aromatic wine. In 1996, riesling wine reclaimed its title as Germany’s most widely planted grape. Nowadays, riesling remains highly regarded as a fine white wine served for special occasions and sipping casually too.

How Riesling is Made

Riesling wine starts of course with Riesling grapes. This is a type of grape that has an extraordinary resistance to cold weather. As a cold-resistant crop, riesling grapes are mainly grown in wine areas with cold climates. Their resilience to cold temperatures doesn’t mean they don’t require particular conditions to produce the best results; but, the grapes’ quality will not be impacted by the vine’s abundancy.

Riesling vines can withstand frost in the winter so, their grapes ripen later than most vines. This slow ripening process allows the grapes to produce more intense flavors and an elegant aroma while maintaining their acidity. When the grapes are finally harvested in late fall, they can be used to make wine.

Like most wine varieties, Riesling grapes are fermented with a mixture of yeast and a bit of sugar to convert the grapes’ natural sugars into alcohol. After fermentation, nearly all riesling wines are immediately bottled. Select styles of riesling wine mature in barrels. Over time, the riesling develops its character, defining its aromas and flavors as it ages on the shelf.

Try our Riesling this spring!

Cheers,
Natalie