Riesling

Not commonly grown in the United States, riesling is one of the more unique white grape varieties.

Rieslings are generally light with delicate fruit flavors and a kick of acidity. They vary from sweet to dry and are often lower in alcohol content than other wines. The combination of delicate fruits, light crisp character and lower alcohol makes a riesling a fine choice on any summer afternoon.

Riesling can be a temperamental grape. The variety likes a cool to cold climate. Germany, the Alsace region of France, northern Austria, and upstate New York all produce top notch rieslings. Rieslings from warmer climates can be a bit logy.

Riesling is grown and is produced principally in Australia; Austria; California; France, in Alsace; Germany; New York State; New Zealand; South Africa; Virginia; and Washington State.