Characteristic features of Riesling Wines

Producing wines is an arduous and long drawn task. Even more arduous work is to maintain the essential characteristic features of wines which distinguish it from the other varieties. Riesling wines are one of the many popular wine varietals. The grapes of this variety are grown all over the world, including Australia. Riesling grapes are white colored and these wines are categorized as white wines. These are one of the most aromatic wines of the world and are also quite acidic in nature.

The Typical Australian Riesling

The credit for bringing this variety of wines to Australia goes to William Macarthur who first planted these grapes in New South Wales in 1830s. The Australian Riesling wines have a characteristic lime note. This is due to the geographical location and the typical climatic conditions of the regions where this is grown. Though these grapes are also grown in other parts of the world, notably Europe, the Australian ones are distinguished by their thick skins. This is due to the warmer climatic conditions of Australia. The fermentation of wines is usually done at low temperatures. Oxidation of wine is not done. This process is carried out in stainless steel containers. Bottling of these wines is also done at an earlier time as compared with the others. Once ready, the lemonade aromas and oily texture make it distinct from others.

Regions and Flavours

The most notable regions where these wine grapes grow are the Clare Valley and the cooler parts of Eden Valley and High Eden regions. The regions have red soil which has developed over the limestone and shales which produces a lean wine varietal. As it matures over a period of time, it develops a distinctive lime aroma and flavour. Some of the other aromas and flavours which Riesling wines around the world have are of honey, beeswax, ginger, petrol, rubber, diesel fuel, citrus blossom and honeycomb.

Riesling in Medieval Times

ermany is the birthplace of Riesling wine varietals. The Rhine river region is considered to be the first region where this grape varietal was first grown. This found mention in the medieval book ‘Herbal’ in 1546.