Riesling might be one of the most misunderstood wines on the shelf.
Say “Riesling” and many people immediately think sweet.
Sometimes they’re right.
But Riesling can also be crisp and bone dry.
It can fall anywhere between those two extremes.
That range makes Riesling one of the most versatile food-pairing wines you can buy. It also makes it a great choice for summer.
If you’ve written off Riesling because you don’t like sweet wine, it’s time for another taste.
What Is Riesling?
Riesling is a white wine grape with deep roots in Germany.
It’s also grown in France’s Alsace region, Austria, Australia, Washington State, New York’s Finger Lakes, and other wine regions.
Riesling is known for its strong aromas and naturally high acidity.
That acidity is key.
It keeps even sweeter styles tasting fresh rather than heavy.
Is Riesling Sweet?
It can be.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Riesling ranges from very dry to very sweet.
A dry Riesling can be crisp, bright, and refreshing.
An off-dry Riesling has a small amount of sweetness.
Sweeter Rieslings can have rich fruit and honey flavors.
That’s why simply saying “I don’t like Riesling because it’s sweet” misses much of what the grape can offer.
What Does Riesling Taste Like?
Common Riesling tasting notes include:
- Green apple
- Lime
- Lemon
- Peach
- Apricot
- Pear
- White flowers
Sweeter or riper styles may also show honey.
Riesling often has a strong mineral character as well.
Why Riesling Is a Great Summer Wine
Riesling’s bright acidity makes it incredibly refreshing when served chilled.
Many Rieslings are also lower in alcohol than other wines.
That’s a nice combination on a hot summer afternoon.
But Riesling really shines once food arrives.
What Foods Pair With Riesling?
Riesling is one of my favorite wines when there’s heat on the plate.
Try an off-dry Riesling with:
- Spicy tacos
- Thai food
- Indian dishes
- Spicy chicken
- Pork
- Sushi
- Asian-inspired dishes
Why does it work?
A little sweetness helps calm the burn from chile peppers.
The wine’s acidity then refreshes your palate before the next bite.
What About Dry Riesling?
Dry Riesling opens another set of pairing options.
Try it with:
- Grilled shrimp
- Seafood
- Roast chicken
- Sausage
- Pork chops
- Summer salads
The key is choosing the style that works with your meal.
How to Tell if a Riesling Is Dry
This can be the tricky part.
Start by looking for “dry” on the label.
German bottles may use “trocken,” which means dry.
Some producers also include sweetness scales on their labels.
When in doubt, ask someone at your wine shop.
Tell them whether you want dry, off-dry, or sweet.
Final Sip
Don’t let Riesling’s reputation keep you from exploring it.
Few wines offer this much range.
Dry Riesling can be crisp and refreshing.
Off-dry Riesling can be fantastic with spicy foods.
And sweeter Rieslings offer another experience entirely.
That’s what makes Riesling such a useful food wine—and a worthy addition to Summer Sips.
Want to get better at matching wine with your favorite foods?
Download my free guide:
A Normie’s Introduction to Food and Wine Pairing
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