Riesling is the perfect wine to bring to a Holiday dinner party, as Riesling pairs virtually with everything. Riesling is also amazing with smoked sausage, Hawaiian Pizza, spicy Indian food, breaded shellfish and pork schnitzel.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, you need to understand that there is a huge range and variety of styles when it comes to Riesling. The wine can range from bone-dry to syrupy sweet to everything in between. Unfortunately, most people get their start with Riesling’s sweet version, which tends to turn them off this fantastic white wine for life. Tack on that every country has their version of Riesling and throws words at you like Spätlese or Beerenauslese at you, and I can understand why Riesling remains undervalued and unpopular.
Among wine enthusiasts, we are fanatic about our Riesling because it’s incredibly versatile and often inexpensive. As the wine ranges from dry to sweet and from still to sparkling, you can find a Riesling for every occasion. Bone dry Riesling is perfect with dishes you’d squeeze a bit of lemon on, like Pad Thai, oysters, battered shrimp, poached Sole, or lobster. Meanwhile, an off-dry Riesling (which means ever so slightly sweet) is fantastic with spicy dishes such as sausage, Szechuan Shrimp or Tandoori Chicken as the slight sweetness puts out the fire in your mouth.
Living near Niagara, Ontario, I got my start drinking Riesling, and up in our cool climate, Riesling tends to be off-dry like a tart lemonade, with a dash of apple, honey, mineral and petrol. The petrol flavour, which tastes a bit like you’d expect gasoline to taste like, is off-putting at first, but you soon develop a love for it. Riesling from warmer climates like California or Australia will deliver more lime and tropical fruit flavours.
Best Food with Riesling
Varietal | Food | Rating |
---|---|---|
Alsatian Riesling | Choucroute Garnie | |
Kabinett Riesling | Choucroute Garnie | |
Kabinett Riesling | Crab | |
Spätlese Riesling | Crab | |
Spätlese Riesling | Thai Cuisine | |
Riesling | Thai Cuisine | |
Riesling | Aperitif | |
Riesling | Apple | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Apple Dessert | |
Riesling | Beets | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Blueberries | |
Riesling | Cabbage | |
Riesling | Edam Cheese | |
Spätlese Riesling | Gouda Cheese | |
Riesling | Gouda Cheese | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Cheesecake | |
Auslese Riesling | Chiles | |
Riesling | Cantonese Food | |
Riesling | Crab Soft-Shell | |
Spätlese Riesling | Fish Curry Dishes | |
Spätlese Riesling | Chicken Curry Dishes | |
Riesling | Curry Dishes with Coconut | |
Auslese Riesling | Duck L'Orange | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Foie Gras Terrine Torchon Pâté | |
Riesling | Fruit Fresh | |
Auslese Riesling | Fruit Desserts | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Fruit Desserts | |
Riesling | Ginger | |
Riesling | Ham | |
Kabinett Riesling | Hot Dogs | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Mango | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Nectarines | |
Riesling | Oranges | |
Riesling | Pears | |
Riesling | Pork | |
Kabinett Riesling | Pork Roasted | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Raspberry Dessert (Creamy) | |
Kabinett Riesling | Scallops | |
Riesling | Scallops Sautéed | |
Riesling | Seafood | |
Riesling | Shellfish | |
Alsatian Riesling | Shellfish | |
Riesling | Smoked Salmon | |
Riesling | Trout Smoked | |
Riesling | Grilled Trout | |
Alsatian Riesling | Grilled Trout | |
Riesling | Trout Sautéed | |
Alsatian Riesling | Trout Sautéed | |
Riesling | Vietnamese Cuisine | |
Riesling | Wasabi | |
Riesling | Chicken Tacos | |
Riesling | Calamari | |
Spätlese Riesling | Appleby's Cheese | |
Riesling | Pork Tenderloin | |
Riesling | Sushi | |
Riesling | Chicken Curry Dishes | |
Riesling | Bruschetta | |
Riesling | Chinese Food Takeout/Buffet | |
Riesling | Canadian Bacon | |
Riesling | Honey Baked Ham | |
Ice Wine, Riesling | Cheesecake | |
Riesling | Pad Thai | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Mango Sticky Rice | |
Riesling | Split Pea & Ham Soup | |
Kabinett Riesling | Spicy Tuna Roll (Sushi) | |
Riesling | Pig Roast | |
Riesling | Sashimi | |
Riesling | Chicken Teriyaki | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Salmon Teriyaki | |
Riesling | Chicken Satay | |
Spätlese Riesling | Tzatziki Sauce | |
Riesling | Hawaiian Pizza | |
Spätlese Riesling | Chicken Korma | |
Riesling | Chicken Peri Peri | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Peach Cobbler | |
Auslese Riesling | Tempura Shrimp | |
Auslese Riesling | Comté Cheese | |
Auslese Riesling | Gruyère Cheese | |
Riesling | Thai Beef Salad (Spicy) | |
Alsatian Riesling | Korokke | |
Off Dry Riesling | Bibimbap | |
Riesling | Preserved Salted Duck | |
Riesling | Crab Legs | |
Riesling | Lamb Curry Dishes | |
Alsatian Riesling | Artichoke | |
Riesling | Asian Cuisine | |
Alsatian Riesling | Asian Cuisine | |
Off Dry Riesling | Chicken Adobo | |
Riesling | Bass | |
Riesling | Halibut in a Creamy Sauce | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Berry Desserts | |
Riesling | Blackberries | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Bread Pudding | |
Riesling | Cajun Cuisine | |
Riesling | Cake | |
Riesling | Cupcakes | |
Riesling | Catfish | |
Riesling | Ceviche | |
Alsatian Riesling | Charcuterie | |
Riesling | Brie Cheese | |
Riesling | Colby Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Emmental Cheese | |
Riesling | Havarti Cheese | |
Riesling | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Muenster Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Roquefort Cheese | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Roquefort Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Saint-Nectaire Cheese | |
Riesling | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Stilton Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Vacherin Cheese | |
Riesling | Yaki-zakana (grilled fish) | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Cherry Desserts | |
Riesling | Chervil | |
Riesling | Chicken | |
Riesling | Barbecued Chicken in Sauce | |
Riesling | Chicken with Fruit Sauce | |
Riesling | Chicken with Lemon or Lime | |
Riesling | Sweet and Sour Chicken | |
Kabinett Riesling | Cilantro | |
Riesling | Clams | |
Riesling | Coconut | |
Riesling | Coconut Milk | |
Riesling | Corn | |
Riesling | Corned Beef and Cabbage | |
Alsatian Riesling | Crab Cakes | |
Kabinett Riesling | Cranberry Sauce | |
Spätlese Riesling | Cranberry Sauce | |
Ice Wine, Riesling | Custard or Pudding | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Crème Brûlée | |
Spätlese Riesling | Duck | |
Auslese Riesling | Peking Duck | |
Riesling | Peking Duck | |
Riesling | Crescenza Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Quiche | |
Riesling | Quiche | |
Riesling | Enchiladas | |
Spätlese Riesling | Fish | |
Alsatian Riesling | Comté Cheese | |
Riesling | Flounder | |
Riesling | Fluke | |
Auslese Riesling | Foie Gras | |
Riesling | Foie Gras | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Foie Gras | |
Alsatian Riesling | Cheese Fondue | |
Riesling | Fruit Sauces | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Gingerbread | |
Kabinett Riesling | Gravlax | |
Spätlese Riesling | Gravlax | |
Riesling | Guavas | |
Alsatian Riesling | Haddock | |
Kabinett Riesling | Halibut | |
Alsatian Riesling | Herbed Dishes | |
Riesling | Herring (Smoked Fish) | |
Riesling | Indonesian Cuisine | |
Alsatian Riesling | Chicken Liver | |
Kabinett Riesling | Lobster | |
Riesling | Lime | |
Riesling | Olives | |
Riesling | Oysters | |
Riesling | Pheasant | |
Alsatian Riesling | Pike | |
Riesling | Pineapple | |
Riesling | Pork With Fruit Sauce | |
Riesling | Pork Loin | |
Riesling | Rosemary | |
Riesling | Caesar Salad | |
Riesling | Chicken Salad | |
Riesling | Sauerkraut | |
Riesling | Sausage | |
Riesling | Spicy Sausage | |
Riesling | Shrimp | |
Riesling | Shrimp Cocktail | |
Riesling | Skate | |
Kabinett Riesling | Skate | |
Alsatian Riesling | Skate | |
Riesling | Fish Smoked | |
Riesling | Grilled Sole | |
Alsatian Riesling | Grilled Sole | |
Kabinett Riesling | Grilled Sole | |
Riesling | Sole | |
Kabinett Riesling | Sole | |
Alsatian Riesling | Sole | |
Riesling | Bouillabaisse | |
Kabinett Riesling | Sushi | |
Kabinett Riesling | Sushi Salmon | |
Spätlese Riesling | Sweetbreads | |
Riesling | Sweetbreads | |
Riesling | Szechuan Food | |
Spätlese Riesling | Szechuan Food | |
Auslese Riesling | Szechuan Food | |
Kabinett Riesling | Grilled Trout | |
Kabinett Riesling | Trout in a Cream Sauce | |
Kabinett Riesling | Tuna Carpaccio | |
Riesling | Tuna Tartare | |
Kabinett Riesling | Tuna Tartare | |
Riesling | Veal | |
Riesling | Veal With Cream Sauce | |
Riesling | Wiener Schnitzel | |
Riesling | Vegetarian Dishes | |
Riesling | Vinaigrette | |
Riesling | Oysters Raw | |
Riesling | Apple Pie | |
Riesling | Goat Cheese | |
Riesling | Grilled Vegetable Sandwich | |
Riesling | Salmon Burgers | |
Riesling | Chicken Wings Spicy | |
Riesling | Beef Stir Fried | |
Riesling | Indian Cuisine | |
Riesling | Goose | |
Riesling | Potato Leek Soup | |
Riesling | Vegetarian Stir Fry | |
Riesling | Perogies | |
Riesling | BBQ Ribs | |
Pradikat Riesling | Jalapeño Poppers | |
Riesling | Thai Green Curry Sauce | |
Riesling | Scallops / Thai Green Curry Sauce | |
Alsatian Riesling | Halloumi Cheese | |
Auslese Riesling | Gooseberry Crumble | |
Riesling | Strawberry Rhubarb Pie | |
Alsatian Riesling | Hotate - Scallops Sushi/Sashimi | |
Riesling | Fish Tempura | |
Riesling | Pulled Pork | |
Riesling | Ebi-fry | |
Riesling | Kaki-fry | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Unagi/Anago (eel) - Grilled | |
Alsatian Riesling | Tsubugai/Hamaguri | |
Spätlese Riesling | Salmon Teriyaki | |
Riesling | Okonomiyaki - Seafood | |
Riesling | Tzatziki Sauce | |
Riesling | Dumplings, Asian | |
Riesling | Chicken Stuffed Dumplings | |
Alsatian Riesling | Fish Shabu Shabu | |
Spätlese Riesling | Unadon Donburi | |
Riesling | Shake-shioyaki (salted salmon) Okazu | |
Riesling | Aloo Gobi | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Shirako (cod milt) Okazu | |
Riesling | Nikujaga (meat and potato stew) | |
Riesling | Kimpira gobou (spicy roots) | |
Kabinett Riesling | Crab Sunomono | |
Kabinett Riesling | Cucumber Soup | |
Riesling | Tandoori Chicken | |
Riesling | Garlic Bread | |
Riesling | Potato Salad | |
Riesling | Croque Monsieur | |
Spätlese Riesling | Tom Yum Soup | |
Spätlese Riesling | Waldorf Salad | |
Riesling | Chimichanga | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | French Toast | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Apple Pie | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Foie Gras | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Blue Cheese | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Poached Pears | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Fruit Cake | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Fruit Cake | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Caramel Desserts | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Crème Brûlée | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Peach Pie | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Peach Desserts | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Apple Dessert | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Apple Pie | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Stilton Cheese | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Flan | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Apricot Dessert | |
Auslese Riesling | Crab | |
Auslese Riesling | Avocado | |
Auslese Riesling | Tex Mex Cuisine | |
Auslese Riesling | Apple Tart | |
Auslese Riesling | Pear Tart | |
Auslese Riesling | Curry Dishes | |
Riesling | Pork Schnitzel | |
Riesling | Corn Dog | |
Alsatian Riesling | Sea Bass | |
Riesling | French Fries | |
Riesling | Corn on the Cob | |
Riesling | Jamón Ibérico | |
Off Dry Riesling | Rogan Josh - Lamb | |
Beerenauslese Riesling | Roquefort Cheese | |
Riesling | Canh Chua | |
Riesling | Carp | |
Riesling | Blue Carp | |
Riesling | Crispy Roast Pig | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Gado-Gado | |
Ice Wine, Riesling | Pisang Goreng | |
Spätlese Riesling | Korokke | |
Riesling | Chicken Shawarma | |
Spätlese Riesling | Ikan Nila Goreng | |
Riesling | Braised Abalone | |
Riesling | Tilapia | |
Alsatian Riesling | Wiener Schnitzel | |
Riesling | Plaice | |
Riesling | Flounder, Fried | |
Riesling | Dab | |
Riesling | Fish Curry Dishes | |
Riesling | Cod with Sweet and Sour Sauce | |
Riesling | Pasta Primavera | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Cherry Pie | |
Riesling | Spicy Cucumber Salad | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Hot and Sour Soup | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Almond Desserts | |
Riesling | Anchovies | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Apricot Dessert | |
Dry Riesling | Asparagus | |
Riesling, Grand Cru, Alsace | White Asparagus | |
Spätlese Riesling | Bacon | |
Riesling | Baklava | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Banana | |
Riesling | Green Beans | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Berries | |
Riesling | Berries | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Blackberries | |
Riesling | Blueberries | |
Riesling | Bread Pudding | |
Riesling | Broccoli Rabe | |
Riesling | Brown Sugar | |
Riesling | Milbenkäse Cheese | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Cake | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Cupcakes | |
Riesling | Angel Food Cake | |
Riesling | Cantaloupe | |
Riesling | Caramel | |
Riesling | Carrots | |
Riesling | Cauliflower | |
Riesling | Celery Root | |
Riesling | Cheese | |
Riesling | Brick Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Brin D'Amour Cheese | |
Riesling | Camembert Cheese | |
Riesling | Cotija Cheese | |
Riesling | Double Gloucester Cheese | |
Riesling | Feta Cheese | |
Riesling | Fontina Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Garrotxa Cheese | |
Riesling | Gruyère Cheese | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Gruyère Cheese | |
Riesling | Montenebero Cheese | |
Alsatian Riesling | Morbier Cheese | |
Riesling | Port Salut Cheese | |
Riesling | Provolone Cheese | |
Riesling | Raclette Cheese | |
Kabinett Riesling | Reblochon Cheese | |
Riesling | Vermont Shepherd Cheese | |
Riesling | Cold Chicken | |
Riesling | Grilled Chicken | |
Alsatian Riesling | Hash Chicken | |
Kabinett Riesling | Chicken with Miso | |
Riesling | Poached Chicken | |
Riesling | Stir Fried Chicken | |
Off-Dry Riesling | Chicken Tikka Masala - Spicy | |
Riesling | Anaheim Chilie | |
Riesling | Poblano Chilie | |
Kabinett Riesling | Serrano Chilie | |
Spätlese Riesling | Thai Chilie | |
Riesling | Chili | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Chocolate | |
Riesling | Cod | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Cookies | |
Riesling | Coriander | |
Riesling | Crab Dungeness | |
Riesling | Grilled Crayfish | |
Alsatian Riesling | Cream Dishes/Sauces | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Crêpes | |
Kabinett Riesling | Cucumber | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Custard Desserts | |
Riesling | Fruit Desserts | |
Riesling | Dim Sum | |
Riesling | Duck with Fruit Sauce | |
Riesling | Eel Smoked | |
Riesling | Egg Rolls | |
Alsatian Riesling | Eggs and Egg Based Dishes | |
Spätlese Riesling | Huevos Rancheros | |
Riesling | Omelets with Ham & Mushroom | |
Riesling | Escargot | |
Riesling | Fennel | |
Riesling | Figs | |
Riesling | Baked Fish | |
Alsatian Riesling | Broiled Fish | |
Riesling | Fish and Chips | |
Spätlese Riesling | Fish with Curry Sauce | |
Riesling | Fish with Ginger | |
Kabinett Riesling | Red Gazpacho | |
Riesling | Grapefruit Desserts | |
Riesling | Gravlax | |
Riesling | Grilled Dishes | |
Kabinett Riesling | Guacamole | |
Kabinett Riesling | Guavas | |
Alsatian Riesling | Hazelnut Desserts | |
Alsatian Riesling | Hoja Santa | |
Riesling | Honey | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Honey Desserts | |
Alsatian Riesling | Horseradish | |
Alsatian Riesling | Hunan Cuisine | |
Spätlese Riesling | Hunan Cuisine | |
Spätlese Riesling | Indian Cuisine Kebab | |
Kabinett Riesling | Korean Cuisine | |
Riesling | Kung Pao Chicken | |
Riesling | Melon | |
Riesling | Middle Eastern Cuisine | |
Riesling | Chanterelle Mushrooms | |
Riesling | Papaya | |
Riesling | Peanuts | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Pears | |
Riesling | Green Bell Pepper | |
Riesling | Red Snapper | |
Alsatian Riesling | Redfish Blackened | |
Riesling | Rhubarb | |
Riesling | Salad | |
Riesling | Asian Style Salad | |
Riesling | Chef's Salad | |
Riesling | Sandwiches | |
Riesling | Turkey Sandwich | |
Riesling | Bérnaise | |
Riesling | Black Bean Sauce | |
Riesling | Chicken Sausage | |
Riesling | Scallops in a Cream Sauce | |
Alsatian Riesling | Grilled Scallops | |
Riesling | Seafood in a Curry Sauce | |
Riesling | Sea Urchin | |
Alsatian Riesling | Sea Urchin | |
Riesling | Shellfish / Mayonnaise Based Sauce | |
Riesling | Sesame | |
Riesling | Grilled Shrimp | |
Riesling | Snails | |
Riesling | Soba Noodles | |
Riesling | Sorrel | |
Riesling | Soufflé Sweet | |
Riesling | Corn Chowder | |
Riesling | Sweet Potato Soup | |
Riesling | Soy Sauce | |
Riesling | Acorn Squash | |
Riesling | Spaghetti Squash | |
Riesling | Kielbasa | |
Riesling | Strawberries | |
Riesling | Sushi Eel | |
Riesling | Sweet Potato | |
Riesling | Swordfish | |
Riesling | Teriyaki | |
Riesling | Tomatillos | |
Riesling | Tomatoes Raw | |
Kabinett Riesling | Trout in a Butter Sauce | |
Riesling | Tuna | |
Riesling | Tuna Ceviche | |
Riesling | Turkey | |
Riesling | Turkey Hash | |
Alsatian Riesling | Turkey Hash | |
Riesling | Turkey Leftovers | |
Riesling | Turkey Roasted | |
Riesling, Late Harvest | Vanilla | |
Riesling | Walnuts | |
Kabinett Riesling | Watermelon | |
Riesling | Yogurt | |
Riesling | Yogurt Sauces | |
Riesling | Zucchini Blossoms | |
Riesling | Zucchini Blossoms Fried | |
Riesling | Butternut Squash Soup | |
Riesling | Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette | |
Riesling | Shrimp, Leek & Spinach Risotto | |
Riesling | Seafood Macaroni and Cheese | |
Riesling | Fried Chicken | |
Riesling | Chicken Alfredo | |
Riesling | Poutine | |
Riesling | Shepherd's Pie | |
Off-Dry Riesling | Spicy Butter Chicken | |
Riesling | Chicken Pot Pie | |
Riesling | Potato Soup | |
Riesling | Scalloped Potatoes | |
Riesling | Sauerkraut Soup | |
Riesling | Quesadillas | |
Riesling | Pasta Carbonara | |
Riesling | Gnocchi in a Sage & Butter Sauce | |
Riesling | Faggot | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Panettone | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Crème Brûlée | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Apple Strudel | |
Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling | Banana Foster | |
Auslese Riesling | Strawberry Tart | |
Riesling | Lentil Soup | |
Riesling | Reuben Sandwich | |
Riesling | General Tso's Chicken | |
Riesling | Hungarian Goulash | |
Riesling | Paella Mixta | |
Riesling | Lemon Sauce Escargot | |
Riesling | Snails in Limousine | |
Riesling | Pho Bo - Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup | |
Alsatian Riesling | Caviar | |
Riesling | Philadelphia Cheesesteak | |
Riesling | Chicken Fried Steak | |
Riesling | Cabbage Rolls | |
Riesling | Liver and Onions | |
Riesling | Beef Stroganoff |
Styles of Riesling & Food Pairings
Off-Dry Riesling & Food Pairings
Off-Dry Rieslings (In Germany, these wines are labelled Kabinett or Spatlese) means that the wines are ever so slightly sweet and are the most common style you’ll find in North America. Off-Dry Rieslings are magnificent with spicy dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Cajun Gumbo, Salsa and Nacho Chips, Chimichanga with hot sauce, Szechuan Shrimp, Enchiladas, or a spicy Ceviche.
Off-Dry Riesling is also fantastic with salty food, as the sweetness provides refreshment and counteracts the salt. So slam that glass of Riesling to your next bowl of popcorn, as the sweetness and acidity of Riesling will amplify the popcorn flavours and wash away the fat and salt in between bites.
Off-Dry Rieslings are fantastic with sweeter vegetables like corn, sweet potatoes, snow peas, carrots, yams, turnips and parsnips that you would serve up at a Holiday meal or backyard barbecue. A lot of Holiday food or gathering food tends to be sweet, such as squash baked with brown sugar, cranberry sauce, or carrots served in a maple glaze. Off-Dry Riesling complements the sweetness in these foods, while the acidity makes the vegetable flavours leap out. For these reasons, I consider and Off-Dry Riesling the best white wine to bring to a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner.
I also love an off-dry Riesling with Chinese Takeout, which is salty, sweet and earthy all at once. Riesling is refreshing against the saltiness, complements the sweetness, and has a mineral and petrol edge that blends in well with the earthiness of your takeout dishes.
Finally, Off-Dry Riesling is wonderful with pork and ham. I love an off-dry Riesling with Hawaiian pizza, which complements the sweet pineapple flavours while melding beautifully with the bacon or ham on your pizza. With Pork Schnitzel, Riesling is a champ at cutting through the breading and lifting up the sweet but subtle pork flavours. An off-dry Riesling is also perfect for sitting down to an Easter Ham, a night in with a Porchetta sandwich, bringing to a Pig Roast, or enjoying with Pork Tenderloin stuffed with an apricot chutney.
Dry Riesling Pairings
While dry Riesling is made everywhere, the most famous region for it is Alsace France which is notorious for its dry and crisp Riesling. Here you’ll find a floral and peachy white wine with tons of minerality and acidity. Alsatian Riesling pairs up perfectly with Sole in a creamy sauce, Sushi, Ceviche, Oysters, Crab Legs, Smoked Fish, Sea bass, Onion Tart, Dim Sum and Fish Tacos.
Both Dry and Off-Dry Rieslings have a lot in common and pair up with the same foods. In my eyes, what you pair a dry versus an off-dry Riesling often depends on preference. Some folks can not stand any degree of sweetness in their wine; thus, bone-dry Riesling is geared towards their tastes. With a bone-dry Riesling, I prefer it with foods that do not require a touch of sweetness, such as roast chicken or mild butter chicken, duck a l’orange, game birds, smoked fish and shellfish.
No matter if it’s dry or off-dry, Riesling does not pair up with heavy red meat dishes as beef will overpower your Riesling, so you won’t end up tasting the wine. The same goes for black pepper.
German Riesling & Food Pairing
Germany is world-renounced for their Rieslings which also range from dry to sweet. Riesling Kabinett and Riesling Spätlese are two examples of dry and off-dry Riesling from this country. Both Kabinett and Spätlese come in dry and off-dry variations. If the wine is dry, you’ll see Trocken on the label. If it is off-dry (slightly sweet), you’ll see Halb Trocken on the label. Further down, I talk about the four types of sweet German Riesling.
Riesling Kabinett & Food Pairings
Riesling Kabinett is the lightest style of Riesling and has more of a mineral flavour than it does with fruitiness. However, fruit does still exist, and you’ll find subtle notes of apple, apricot, lemon, lime, peach and pear. Riesling Kabinett is excellent with seafood dishes like sushi, lobster, halibut, sole, tuna, and crab cakes, where the minerality of the wine plays into the sea-kissed saltiness of the seafood. Riesling Kabinett is also excellent with cold vegetable dishes such as Crudité and gazpacho.
Simple Hot Dogs make great dance partners with Riesling Kabinett due to the wine’s subtle citrus aromas that are joyfully absorbed into a fresh hot dog bun. The less condiments on your bun, the better, as the multitude of flavours will crush the subtle flavours of Riesling Kabinett.
Riesling Spätlese & Food Pairings
Spätlese means “late selected,” and this style of Riesling offers richer and more concentrated flavours of apricot, lemon, lime and peach. In its off-dry variation, Spätlese Riesling pairs great with anything spicy, such as chicken curry dishes, Szechuan dishes, or Thai cuisine. Both dry and off-dry Spätlese Rieslings are fantastic with roasted pork, sausages, fully loaded hot dogs, BLT sandwiches, seafood, ham, and veal dishes.
Late Harvest Riesling & Dessert Wines
The sweetest Rieslings are often called Dessert Wines, Ice Wines or Late Harvest Rieslings and pair best with desserts based on tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. Very sweet Riesling also pairs well with peach, nectarine, apple, lemon and lime desserts, such as tarts, fruit pies, caramel desserts, compotes, custards and candied fruits. Foie Gras is another popular pairing with sweet Riesling due to the contrast of the sweetness of the wine and the richness of the Foie Gras. Salty cheeses are similarly popular pairings.
In Germany, you’ll find four sweeter Riesling styles: Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein, which we have a blog for soon.
While sweeter Rieslings do have loud flavours, chocolate and coffee flavoured desserts tend to overwhelm these wines, so it’s best to keep Riesling away from chocolaty or coffee-based desserts.