Riesling has an extremely high level of acidity. That acidity is matched by the intensity of the grape’s floral and fruit aromas. A number of descriptors are associated with Riesling due to its tendency to adopt the characteristics of where it is grown. Riesling of the Mosel is distinctive because its flavors reflect the region’s slate soils, while its partner in Alsace displays less soil character and more peach and apricot nuances due to the warmer climate. For dry styles of Riesling, look to Germany’s Kabinett levels, Alsace, Washington State, Australia and New Zealand. For a slightly sweeter style, look to Germany’s wines of the Spätlese and Auslese levels.
