Riesling

Synonyms: lipka (Czech Republic), petit rhin (Switzerland), rajnai rizling (Hungary), renski riesling (Slovenia).

Late budding and medium ripening variety. Very resistant to cold, it is considered one of the most noble white varieties, being able to produce high quality grapes even with high yields. Among its peculiarities is that it maintains a high acidity despite being fully ripe.

Germany is the epicenter of the Riesling tradition. The variety produces white wines in a wide range of styles; from dry, sharp and mineral, to sweet wines from late harvests. It is an aromatic variety that depending on maturity shows white, stone or tropical fruit, white flowers and with age, a characteristic kerosene (hydrocarbon) note. Its aging potential is beastly and in places like Moselle it achieves great elegance and sophistication. Another quality producer is Alsace in France, its Rieslings are more mature and full-bodied than in Germany. Austria also produces very fresh but concentrated and tasty versions. In the New World, good examples can also be found in Australia, New Zealand and the USA with different styles. In Spain there is very little production in Catalonia and La Mancha.