The Art Of German Riesling

Riesling is to Germany what Chardonnay is to Burgundy—the purest expression of its terroir. This remarkable grape has been nurtured for generations, thriving on steep, unforgiving slopes that seem daunting even from a distance. Riesling is an aromatic variety known for its floral, almost perfumed notes, complemented by high acidity. It lends itself to a diverse range of wines, from dry to semi-sweet, sweet, and even sparkling.

German Riesling
There is perfection here—a balance between natural acidity, the grape’s intrinsic aromatics, the vineyard’s unique environment, and, of course, the winemaker’s expertise. While Riesling is produced in other parts of the world, no country crafts it with the same precision, scale, or tradition as Germany.

German Riesling
“Rieslings are distinct in every German region,” explains winemaker Moritz Haidle from Württemberg, whose Good Vibes Good Wines Riesling is now available in India. “A Mosel Riesling, for example, is traditionally sweeter, but its vibrant acidity often masks the sweetness. Rheingau Rieslings are known for their bright acidity, yet even the driest examples maintain an elegance and mineral complexity. Pfalz and Rheinhessen Rieslings showcase incredible structure and depth, while Württemberg’s tend to be more floral with softer acidity.”

German Riesling

Steffen Christmann, a winemaker from Pfalz, adds, “Riesling is a grape variety that belongs to Germany and the Rhine. It uniquely expresses terroir, conjuring an incredible finesse—a harmony of elegance, delicacy, and richness in the glass.”

Dubbed the ‘King of Grapes,’ Riesling’s versatility allows it to produce wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, all while remaining balanced and refreshing. “For me,” says Haidle, “no other variety showcases terroir as precisely as Riesling. At the same time, it produces refreshing wines with tremendous aging potential.”

German Riesling
As Riesling ages, it evolves into a completely new sensory experience, developing complex layers of aroma and flavour that make it even more captivating. The ability of the wine to age gracefully is one of its most remarkable attributes.

I firmly believe that India should embrace German Riesling. Its hallmark balance of acidity and residual sugar makes it enjoyable for both novices and connoisseurs. More importantly, Riesling pairs beautifully with Indian cuisine and a wide array of Asian dishes. Ever tried biryani with a chilled Riesling? How about Thai green curry or fatty tuna sashimi? If not, what are you waiting for?

Wilhelm Weil, a winemaker from Rheingau, perhaps captures it best: “German Riesling combines finesse and elegance with power and density in a way that makes it an absolute pleasure to drink young, but also when it matures. This is what makes it unique among the world’s great wines.”