Riesling: Difference between revisions

Line 38:

Although not directly tied to single individuals, Riesling’s quality revival and global reappraisal in the late 20th century owes much to producers committed to dry expressions, as well as to collaborative organisations like the [[International Riesling Foundation]], which works to clarify labelling and promote the variety worldwide<ref>Decanter, “Riesling Around the World: A Regional Guide”, decanter.com, 2021.</ref>.

== Perception and Evolution ==

Riesling has experienced notable shifts in global reputation over the centuries. In the 19th century, top Rieslings from Germany’s Rhine and Mosel regions were among the most esteemed and expensive wines in the world, often on par with fine [[Bordeaux]] or [[Champagne]]<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. Their naturally balanced sweetness, low alcohol, and capacity for long ageing made them prized in royal courts and [[wine cellar|wine cellars]] alike.

However, the 20th century brought a decline in perception, especially in export markets. Post-war production in Germany saw an increase in mass-market, inexpensive semi-sweet wines made from high-yielding varieties such as [[Müller-Thurgau]]<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>. This diluted the reputation of quality Riesling, particularly in markets like the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]].

A renaissance began in the late 20th century as producers, especially in Germany and Alsace, returned to lower yields, precise site expression, and a greater focus on dry or off-dry styles<ref>Dönnhoff, ''Der Riesling und seine Heimat'', Verlag der Rheingauer Weinfreunde, 2008.</ref>. The VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) classification reforms in Germany and a global movement toward terroir-driven winemaking contributed to this revival.

Today, Riesling is recognised for its ability to reflect origin with clarity, making it a benchmark grape for terroir expression. It is increasingly valued by [[sommelier|sommeliers]] and wine professionals for its aromatic precision, versatility with food, and capacity to age, whether in dry, off-dry, or sweet styles<ref>Wine Folly, “Riesling Wine Guide”, winefolly.com.</ref>.

== See also ==

[[Mosel]]

[[German wine classification]]

[[White wine grapes]]

== References ==

[[Category:White wine grape varieties]]

[[Category:German wine grapes]]

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 Although not directly tied to single individuals, Riesling’s quality revival and global reappraisal in the late 20th century owes much to producers committed to dry expressions, as well as to collaborative organisations like the [[International Riesling Foundation]], which works to clarify labelling and promote the variety worldwide<ref>Decanter, “Riesling Around the World: A Regional Guide”, decanter.com, 2021.</ref>.
+== Perception and Evolution ==
+Riesling has experienced notable shifts in global reputation over the centuries. In the 19th century, top Rieslings from Germany’s Rhine and Mosel regions were among the most esteemed and expensive wines in the world, often on par with fine [[Bordeaux]] or [[Champagne]]<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. Their naturally balanced sweetness, low alcohol, and capacity for long ageing made them prized in royal courts and [[wine cellar|wine cellars]] alike.
+However, the 20th century brought a decline in perception, especially in export markets. Post-war production in Germany saw an increase in mass-market, inexpensive semi-sweet wines made from high-yielding varieties such as [[Müller-Thurgau]]<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>. This diluted the reputation of quality Riesling, particularly in markets like the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]].
+A renaissance began in the late 20th century as producers, especially in Germany and Alsace, returned to lower yields, precise site expression, and a greater focus on dry or off-dry styles<ref>Dönnhoff, ''Der Riesling und seine Heimat'', Verlag der Rheingauer Weinfreunde, 2008.</ref>. The VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) classification reforms in Germany and a global movement toward terroir-driven winemaking contributed to this revival.
+Today, Riesling is recognised for its ability to reflect origin with clarity, making it a benchmark grape for terroir expression. It is increasingly valued by [[sommelier|sommeliers]] and wine professionals for its aromatic precision, versatility with food, and capacity to age, whether in dry, off-dry, or sweet styles<ref>Wine Folly, “Riesling Wine Guide”, winefolly.com.</ref>.
+== See also ==
+[[Mosel]]
+[[German wine classification]]
+[[White wine grapes]]
+== References ==
+{{reflist}}
+[[Category:White wine grape varieties]]
+[[Category:German wine grapes]]