Yes, there are bad Rieslings. There are mass-produced “Rieslings” that are basically grape juice with vodka. But you can smell those from a mile away—they’ll have an artificial candy stink. Avoid anything that says “sweet” in big letters on the front, unless you’re planning a pancakes-for-dessert situation. Trust your nose; if it smells like a wine cooler from 1992, put it back.
Types of White Wine | Wine Guide | Virgin Wines
But the good ones? They’re like a conversation. A dry Riesling says, “Hey, let’s talk about life over a light salad.” A sweet one whispers, “Let’s have a second dessert and nobody has to know.” And the great ones, from old vines in Germany or Alsace? They tell you a story about the soil, the rain, and a winemaker who cared more about balance than fashion.
So, is Riesling white wine?
Yes, obviously. But it’s also the white wine that can do it all: crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc, complex like a Chardonnay, sweet without being cloying, and dry without being boring. It’s the underdog of the wine aisle, hiding in plain sight next to all the flashy Pinot Grigios and trendy Albariños.
Next time someone hands you a glass of white, ask for a Riesling. Say it with confidence, even if you’re not sure what you’ll get. Because worst case? You get a pleasant surprise. Best case? You find your new favorite wine. And honestly, isn’t that the reason we drink in the first place?
Cheers to being wrong about something delicious.
