Definition: A white grape, the principal grape of Germany; also important in Alsace and Austria. Late ripening, modest bearer, medium-sized grapes. Also known as johannisberg riesling and white riesling.

Grown primarily in: Australia, Austria, Canada, France-Alsace, Germany and United States

Best Climate: Cool

Winemaking: Rieslings can vary from bone dry (Alsace) to super sweet (ice wines). Most are fermented and aged in stainless steel. Some see oak aging.

Nose: Grapefruit, apricot, peach, pear, pineapple, nectarine, floral, dried flowers, honeyed, honey suckle, perfumed.

Mouth: Light to medium body when dry. Medium to full body, rich and viscous when made as a sweet dessert wine.

Note: Riesling crossed with sylvaner produces Muller-Thurgau (Franken Riesling).