A Guide to Choosing Your Riesling

With so much variety, the decision to buy a Riesling can seem overwhelming. The shelves are filled with options, ranging from dry Riesling from the Pfalz region to special VDP Riesling wines from Rheinhessen. At the same time, there is growing demand for thoughtful alternatives like high-quality non-alcoholic Riesling.

As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my job is to offer you clear guidance. This guide introduces a selection of Riesling wines that cater to different needs and occasions, and provides you with objective criteria to help you make your own choice.

What to Look for When Buying Riesling

To find the right German Riesling, a little basic knowledge about labels, origins, and styles can be very helpful.

Understanding Quality Levels and Seals

Two designations are particularly useful for assessing a wine's quality and production methods:

• VDP (Verband Deutscher Pr?dikatsweingüter): The VDP seal, featuring a grape eagle on the capsule, identifies wines from member estates that voluntarily commit to stricter quality standards. These standards include origin from classified sites, reduced yields, and traditional production methods. A VDP Riesling thus represents high-quality wine with a distinct sense of origin.
• Organic Seal (Bio-Siegel): An organic Riesling is produced according to the guidelines of organic farming. This means, among other things, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Look for the EU organic logo (a leaf made of stars on a green background) and the corresponding inspection body number (e.g., DE-?KO-039).

Origin Makes All the Difference

Riesling is heavily influenced by its terroir—the interplay of soil, climate, and location. Two of the most famous German growing regions for Riesling are:

• Riesling from Rheinhessen: As Germany's largest wine-growing region, Rheinhessen offers enormous diversity. The region is particularly known for its mineral-rich wines from the Roter Hang ("Red Slope") near Nierstein, which stand out for their elegance and longevity.
• Riesling from Pfalz: The Pfalz region is known for its more powerful, often fruit-forward Rieslings. The mild climate ensures reliable grape ripeness, resulting in wines with a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.

The Right Riesling for Every Occasion

The most important question is: What do you plan to use the wine for?

• For conscious enjoyment: A non-alcoholic Riesling is an excellent choice for anyone who wants or needs to avoid alcohol without sacrificing the taste experience of a fine wine.
• For social gatherings: An uncomplicated, dry Riesling with an approachable character, like the III Freunde Wein, is perfect for evenings with friends, barbecues, or as an accompaniment to light dishes.
• For special moments: A single-vineyard wine from a renowned estate, such as a VDP Riesling from a famous site, offers complexity and depth for connoisseurs and special occasions.

Top Riesling Picks

Based on these criteria, we have put together a selection that represents different profiles and occasions.

For a Clear Head: KOLONNE NULL Riesling 2024

Why It Stands Out: The Kolonne Null wine is more than just grape juice. It is created in collaboration with award-winning wineries. The alcohol is gently removed from the finished wine via vacuum distillation, which preserves its characteristic aromas.

• Advantages:
  • Alcohol Content: 0.0% vol.
  • Certification: Certified organic (DE-?KO-039)
  • Flavour Profile: Refreshing with a present acidity and mineral notes.
• Who Is It For? Ideal for health-conscious connoisseurs, designated drivers, pregnant women, and anyone looking for a high-quality, non-alcoholic wine alternative.

For Good Company: III FREUNDE Riesling QbA trocken

Why It Stands Out: The III Freunde Wein is a project by German celebrities Joko Winterscheidt and Matthias Schweigh?fer. Their goal was to create a high-quality yet uncomplicated wine that stands for sociability and enjoyment.

• Advantages:
  • Style:Dry Riesling
  • Origin:Pfalz, Germany
  • Flavour Profile: Fruity aromas of peach and lime, refreshing on the palate with an acidity of 6.6 g/l.
• Who Is It For? Perfect for social occasions, as an accompaniment to light summer dishes, fish, or simply to be enjoyed on the patio. An approachable wine for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

For Connoisseurs and Explorers: St. Antony Riesling Rotschiefer 2024

Why It Stands Out: This VDP Riesling comes exclusively from the famous "Roter Hang" (Red Slope) in Rheinhessen. The St. Antony winery is certified biodynamic (Demeter). The red slate soil gives the wine a pronounced minerality and finesse.

• Advantages:
  • Origin: VDP.Ortswein from Nierstein, Rheinhessen
  • Cultivation: Biodynamic (DE-?KO-039)
  • Flavour Profile: Yellow fruit on the nose, fine minerality, and moderate acidity.
• Who Is It For? For wine lovers who value origin, terroir, and sustainable cultivation. A wine that impressively reflects the unique characteristics of its location.

Not the Right Riesling for You?

The world of Riesling is vast and diverse. If you want to explore other options, from sweet "Sp?tlese" to other dry, characterful wines, you are sure to find the right one in our broader selection.

Discover our entire selection of Riesling wine

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Riesling

What does "trocken" (dry) mean for a Riesling?

The term "trocken" (dry) is legally defined. In Germany, a wine is considered dry if its residual sugar content does not exceed 9 grams per litre. In this case, the acidity level can be no more than 2 g/l lower than the residual sugar value. With Riesling, its typically high acidity ensures that even dry wines with a bit more residual sugar still taste fresh and not sweet.

Is non-alcoholic Riesling completely free of alcohol?

By law, the "non-alcoholic" designation allows for a residual alcohol content of up to 0.5% vol. Many products in this category use this allowance. However, the Kolonne Null Riesling featured here is declared by the manufacturer as having 0.0% alcohol, making it a particularly safe choice for those strictly avoiding alcohol.

What does the abbreviation VDP stand for in wine?

VDP stands for the "Verband Deutscher Pr?dikats- und Qualit?tsweingüter" (Association of German Pr?dikat and Quality Wine Estates). It is a private association of wineries that have committed themselves to stricter quality guidelines than those required by German wine law. A VDP Riesling guarantees high quality that is strongly tied to its origin (terroir). The classification ranges from VDP.Gutswein (estate wine) to VDP.Grosse Lage (grand cru), which represents the pinnacle of the quality pyramid.