Riesling Wine

Riesling is one of the world's great white grape varieties, capable of producing everything from bone-dry, precise wines to richly sweet styles with remarkable freshness and ageing potential. It is especially associated with Germany, but also thrives in Alsace, Austria and other cool-climate regions, where it can express citrus, green apple, stone fruit, floral notes and distinctive mineral character.

At Spy, our Riesling selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen small producers, from crisp, dry wines with bright acidity to more aromatic, off-dry and sweeter examples. Riesling's combination of freshness, perfume and versatility makes it one of the most rewarding white wines to explore.

  • Bottle of Domaine Stentz Buecher Riesling Tradition Alsace with a white label

    Riesling Tradition Domaine Stentz-Buecher Alsace

    Riesling Tradition Domaine Stentz-Buecher Alsace

    70cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £19.95
    £19.95
  • Syfany 'Just White'

    Syfany 'Just White'

    Syfany 'Just White'

    75cl | ABV: 12.0%

    £22.95
    £22.95
  • Bottle of Riesling from Austria, by Ingrid Groiss, Braitenpuechtorff

    Ingrid Groiss Riesling Braitenpuechtorff

    Ingrid Groiss Riesling Braitenpuechtorff

    75cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £22.95
    £22.95
  • Bottle of Domingo Molina 'Mortero' Sauvignonasse Riesling White Blend Argentina

    Domingo Molina 'Mortero' White Blend Argentina

    Domingo Molina 'Mortero' White Blend Argentina

    75cl | ABV: 11.0%

    £27.95
    £27.95
  • Matic Postopoma Slovenia Orange Wine

    Matic Postopoma Orange

    Matic Postopoma Orange

    75cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £20.95
    £20.95
  • White Rabbit Riesling Germany

    White Rabbit Riesling

    Sold out

    White Rabbit Riesling

    75cl | ABV: 8.5%

    £15.95
    £15.95
    Sold out
  • Domaine Stentz-Buecher Riesling Grand Cru Steingrübler

    Domaine Stentz-Buecher Riesling Grand Cru Steingrübler

    Sold out

    Domaine Stentz-Buecher Riesling Grand Cru Steingrübler

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £32.95
    £32.95
    Sold out

Riesling Wine Buying Guide

Riesling can range from completely dry to intensely sweet, but high natural acidity is a defining feature across almost every style. Depending on where it is grown and how it is made, Riesling can show citrus, green apple, peach, apricot, floral notes and mineral character, while bottle age can bring more savoury and complex flavours.

What style of Riesling do you enjoy?

For a crisp, refreshing style, look for dry Riesling with citrus, green apple and mineral character. Off-dry examples can offer more peach, apricot and floral notes while retaining plenty of freshness. Sweeter styles can be richer and more concentrated, but Riesling's naturally high acidity usually keeps them balanced rather than heavy.

Choosing Riesling for food

Riesling is one of the most versatile white wines at the table. Dry styles work well with seafood, shellfish, roast pork and lighter dishes, while off-dry Riesling is particularly good with spicy food because a little sweetness can soften heat. Richer or sweeter examples can also pair beautifully with pâté, blue cheese and fruit-based desserts.

Look beyond Germany

Germany remains Riesling's spiritual home and produces an extraordinary range of styles, but the grape has important traditions elsewhere too. Alsace often produces fuller, drier expressions, while Austria can offer precise, structured wines with excellent freshness. Riesling is also grown successfully in Australia, New Zealand and other cooler wine regions.

Riesling FAQs

Is Riesling always sweet?

No. Riesling can be completely dry, off-dry, medium-sweet or intensely sweet. Many modern Rieslings are dry, particularly those from Alsace, Austria and parts of Germany.

What does Riesling taste like?

Common flavours include lemon, lime, green apple, peach, apricot and floral notes. Many Rieslings also show a mineral or stony character, while mature bottles can develop more complex savoury and honeyed aromas.

What food goes with Riesling?

Dry Riesling pairs well with seafood, shellfish, pork and lighter dishes. Off-dry Riesling is excellent with spicy Asian food, while sweeter styles can work with pâté, blue cheese and desserts.

Can Riesling age?

Yes. Riesling can age exceptionally well because of its naturally high acidity. Better examples can develop greater complexity over many years, gaining savoury, honeyed and sometimes gently smoky or petrol-like aromas while retaining freshness.

Continue exploring distinctive aromatic and cool-climate wines

German Wine Alsace Austrian Wine Sweet Wine Gewurztraminer Wine Chenin Blanc Wine Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Wine White Wine