Every wine enthusiast has their preferences on grape varietals, and styles of wine; whether it’s a bold and earthy Cabernet Sauvignon, or a light and crisp Pinot Gris, even the most casual wine drinker has their favorite type. However, there is one particular grape that is often overlooked and underappreciated in wine circles: Riesling! Most wine drinkers have a lot of preconceived notions about Riesling and dismiss it at first sight, but there are so many great Rieslings out there today!

How many times have we heard the following “Oh, Riesling is too sweet for me.” or “Riesling smells funky.” And the worst insult “Riesling is boring!” 

Nothing could be further from the truth about the last example. Riesling can be one of the most exciting and versatile wines on any shelf, and M Cellars is here to teach you why!

First, a little history about our beloved Riesling grape

  • Originates from the Rhine River region in Germany
  • First documented use: March 13th, 1435 (aka International Riesling Day)
  • During the 18th century in Germany, the Archbishop declared all “bad” vines be ripped out and replaced with Riesling vines
  • By the next century, Riesling had become one of the most popular and expensive wines, often fetching a higher price than a Boudreaux or a Champagne
  • As of 2015, it is the most commonly grown grape variety in Germany, with almost 60,000 acres devoted to Riesling

It’s clear that Riesling has a rich and vibrant history, but what makes it such a wonderful and exciting wine? 

There are so many Rieslings out there; every time you go to the grocery store, there is often a whole section devoted to the grape varietal. And for good reason! One of the most important and impressive aspects o riesling is its wide range! The wine can range from completely dry to very sweet and everything in between. Dry-style Rieslings, like ours here at M Cellars, tend to be acidic and aromantic, giving off notes of green apple, citrus, and popcorn oil. Rieslings are also often used in ice wines, or late harvest wines, which tend to be juicy and sweet, with candy apple notes, as well as caramel and honey undertones. Some wineries that specialize in Rieslings, especially in the Finger Lakes region, even offer multiple Rieslings from the same vintage at varying sweetness levels. 

So what makes Riesling such a popular grape to grow? And why do winemakers like to experiment with it so much? Riesling is a grape that is extremely affected by the vineyard’s terroir, which means the wine is influenced more greatly by the place it comes from. A California Riesling will taste different than a Grand River Valley Riesling, due to factors such as soil type, elevation, and weather. The Riesling grape vine itself is a hardy plant, with thick stems that are frost resistant, even withstanding temperatures as low at -15°F. The grape has a late budding, so it can be picked later in the harvest than other grapes. This allows the grape to come to full ripeness, creating a better, juicer, and more aromatic wine. Riesling is also known for its susceptibility to Botrytis, aka the Noble Rot, a beneficial type of fungus that makes the grapes shrivel like raisins. This dehydration concentrates the sugars in the grapes while also intensifying flavors. The impressive variety of the grape makes it an excellent choice for winemakers to play with and hone their techniques!

If you need any other reason to get excited about Riesling, just ask our winemaker, Matt Meineke! Riesling is his favorite! We asked him about his personal opinion of the wine, and here’s what he had to say:

How much Riesling does M Cellars grow? How many bottles does the winery produce yearly?

Matt: “On site at the winery, we farm around 2.5 acres of Riesling. Each year, we produce 200 cases of Riesling and 200 cases of Madelyn, our sparkling Riesling. A portion of the juice is also typically saved for Cuveé, our white blend.”

Any exciting future plans in the works for Riesling?

Matt: “Right now, we don’t plan to plant anymore, but that could change. I want to experiment with the Clayver in the near future and do an Amphora Riesling. I might also make a traditional champagne method, to compare to our current sparkling Madelyn.”

What makes a good Riesling and why is it your favorite?

Matt: “For me, it’s all about the aromatics and the balance. It’s super versatile and can represent a lot of styles. Dry to sweet, sparkling or still, stainless steel or amphora aged.”

Another reason to adore Riesling? Its versatility when it comes to pairing food with your wine! Some of our favorite foods to pair with our Riesling include:

  • Oysters and Mussels
  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Blue Cheese or Goat Cheese
  • Shrimp Tacos
  • Your Grandma’s Apple Pie
  • Spicy Tuna Sushi

And so many more! The choices are endless when it comes to Riesling! 

There is clearly a multitude of reasons to love Riesling, so this month, celebrate International Riesling Day, and open your favorite bottle of M Cellars Riesling! Make a toast to this noble and exciting grape, and enjoy Riesling’s birthday! 

Don’t have any bottles of our Riesling on your shelf? Fear not! Check out the Winemakers Select 4-Pack this month, which includes Riesling and Madelyn! Get yours shipped straight to your door! Click the link to place your order today: https://www.mcellars.com/shop-winemakers-select/