RIESLING is both a grape and a wine. The grape is used to make a light white wine. The Riesling grape is very delicate and needs to be handled with care during the winemaking process. Riesling is a type of grape that changes drastically to its environment. For this reason, a bottle of Riesling from Australia or California may taste much different than a bottle from Austria or New York.

According to Janice Robinson, author of Vines, Grapes, and Wines, the Riesling grape is best suited for clay soil and slate soil. The grape is native to Germany, and has been growing in vineyards there since the 1400s.

Austrian varietals of Riesling are more full bodied and less sweet than American Rieslings. Austrian Riesling also has a higher alcohol content, about 13%. Riesling can be either sweet or dry. If you are purchasing a German bottle, the word "trocken" means dry. "Auslese" is used to describe sweeter varietals. The wine is quite versatile and can b served with appetizers, fruit, cheese, poultry, fish, sweet desserts and even spic foods. It is definitely a safe choice at any point of the evening for entertaining a group of friends. I like serving Riesling for picnics or light meals.

According to the Encyclopedia of Grapes, the Riesling grape was the most planted in Australia until the 1990's, when Chardonnay became so popular. Some fans call Riesling "the other white wine." One of my favorite aspects of the wine is the fruity aroma. Often I can detect apple or pear flavors coming off the top.

I recommend V. Sattui's Dry Riesling. It is less than $20, and a perfect complement to a cheese appetizer. You can even taste a hint of tangerine and peaches. If you ever visit St. Helena, you can pick up a bottle at the V. Sattui Winery. The wine is not sold in stores, although can be ordered at www.vsattui.com.

In California, Riesling is relatively rare, and not nearly as popular as Chardonnay. After January 1, 2006, California wineries are not allowed to use the name "Johannesburg" on any bottle of Riesling. You will also come across blends of Riesling and other grapes. According to winepros.org, there are more than sixty clones of Riesling. These include Emerald Riesling (with Muscadelle du Bordelais) and Mller-Thurgau (with Sylvaner).
To find out even more about Riesling, visit www.rieslingreport.com.

Learn more about this author, Valerie Ashton.
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