If you think Riesling is too sweet or simply isn’t for you, let me change your mind! Riesling is an incredibly expressive grape, capable of producing everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet wines. For a drier style, explore Alsace in France, Austria’s Wachau region, or Germany’s Trocken (dry) Rieslings. Expect beautiful aromas of white flowers, citrus, and stone fruit, often accompanied by refreshing acidity and a distinct mineral character. You might just discover a new favorite!
Tip: Alcohol percentage can offer a helpful clue when choosing a Riesling. Wines with lower alcohol levels may retain more residual sugar because fermentation was stopped before all the grape sugars converted into alcohol. If you prefer a drier style, try looking for Rieslings around 11% alcohol or higher!