H I S T O R Y

The history of Riesling wine can be traced back to the Rhine region of Germany, where the grape variety is believed to have originated in the 15th century. The first written reference to Riesling dates back to 1435, in a record from the Cellar Master Count John IV of Katzenelnbogen. The grape was originally grown for the production of dry wines, which were favored by the German aristocracy.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Riesling became increasingly popular in Germany, and was exported to other countries around the world. In the early 20th century, Riesling was one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Europe.

However, the popularity of Riesling declined in the mid-20th century, as other grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc became more popular. In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a renewed interest in Riesling, with winemakers in Germany and other countries experimenting with new winemaking techniques to produce high-quality wines.

Today, Riesling is still most closely associated with Germany, where it is the most widely planted grape variety. However, it is also grown in other wine regions around the world, including Austria, France, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.

Determining the “best” Riesling wine is subjective, as different people may have different preferences based on their taste and experience with Riesling wines. However, there are some wellregarded regions and producers of Riesling that are known for producing high-quality wines.

In Germany, the Mosel and Rheingau regions are well-known for producing some of the best Riesling wines. In particular, the Mosel region is known for producing Riesling wines with a delicate, floral character and high acidity, while the Rheingau region is known for producing more full-bodied, complex Riesling wines.

In Austria, the Wachau region is known for producing some of the best Riesling wines, with a focus on dry wines that showcase the mineral-rich soils of the region.

In Australia, the Clare Valley and Eden Valley regions are known for producing high-quality Riesling wines with a distinctive citrus and mineral character.

In the United States, the Finger Lakes region in New York is known for producing excellent Riesling wines, with a range of styles from dry to sweet.

Some notable producers of Riesling wines include Joh. Jos. Prüm and Egon Müller in Germany, FX Pichler and Nikolaihof in Austria, Grosset and Pewsey Vale in Australia, and Dr. Konstantin Frank and Hermann J. Wiemer in the United States.

Riesling wine is enjoyed by a wide range of wine drinkers, from casual consumers to serious wine enthusiasts. Riesling is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for meals and entertaining. Its range of sweetness levels, from dry to sweet, also make it a flexible option for different tastes and occasions.

In terms of demographics, Riesling wine is popular among both men and women, and is consumed by a broad age range of wine drinkers. However, Riesling is particularly popular among younger wine drinkers, with millennials showing a strong interest in the variety. This may be due in part to the rise of natural wine and minimal-intervention winemaking, which aligns with the Riesling grape’s ability to express its terroir and natural flavors.