Riesling might not always be the first wine you reach for (or even reach for at all), but if you’re a fan of crisp, aromatic, and food-friendly wines, then you’re missing out on a great drop.
This versatile grape has a deep-rooted history in Europe, but here in New Zealand, we grow over 600 ha of Riesling and are producing some very exciting expressions of the grape.
Here’s why you should pour yourself a glass of NZ Riesling.
1. A grape with history, a wine with character
Riesling originated in Germany over 600 years ago, thriving in cool climates where it developed its signature balance of acidity and natural sweetness. In New Zealand, the grape thrives in cool, dry weather with low humidity which is why over 90% of the Riesling in New Zealand is grown in the South Island. Here the combination of long sunshine hours, cool nights, and diverse soils allows winemakers to craft Rieslings that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.
Which brings us onto the next point......
2. It’s not just sweet—it’s versatile
One of the biggest misconceptions about Riesling is that it’s always sweet. While some styles do lean towards honeyed, fruit-driven flavours, Rieslings can also span a broad spectrum. From dry and citrusy to medium-sweet and floral, there’s a style for every palate - it is just finding one to suit YOUR palate! New Zealand Riesling, more often than not, lets the acidity shine, creating a wine that is refreshingly crisp rather than cloying.
3. Riesling is the ultimate food pairing wine
Riesling is a dream when it comes to food pairings. High acidity and vibrant fruit flavours make it perfect for cutting through rich dishes like creamy cheeses or roast pork. Off-dry or medium styles can perfectly balance spicy dishes or Asian cuisine, managing to enhance the flavours rather than overpowering them. If you’re struggling to find the right wine for a dish, Riesling is almost always a safe bet. If you don't want to food match a Riesling, then simply drink it as an aperitif. Again, the dry styles with high acidity get you salivating and ready for a meal!
4. Fresh, aromatic, and age-worthy
Rieslings are known for their lively aromatics—think lime zest, green apple, jasmine and stonefruit. Over time, these wines develop deeper complexity, making them excellent for cellaring. In some aged versions, the wine also develops a signature petrol or kerosene note which this is a dead giveaway if you happen to be participating in a blind tasting! Unlike some white wines, a good bottle of riesling can evolve beautifully over a decade or more.
5. An underrated NZ gem worth discovering
While Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the global wine map, Riesling remains an unsung hero. I am confident that the majority of the riesling drunk in New Zealand is by people in the trade - winemakers love to make (and drink) riesling and Somms, wine buffs and front of house staff love to drink it! Often overshadowed, it offers exceptional value for money and a taste profile that can rival some of the best European examples.
So next time you’re picking a bottle or stopping for a glass of wine, step outside the usual choices and reach for a Riesling. If you aren't sure, don't be afraid to ask your wait person about the style. You might just find your new favourite wine.
Here are our picks to try.
Bryterlater Riesling: Grown in North Canterbury, this style is very similar to a dry, Germanic style. It has a brilliant saltiness (which I just love) and very subtle creaminess on the finish. This is a good one to try before a meal to get those taste buds going!
Mondillo Dry Riesling: Dry to taste with lovely flavours of tangerine, guava and citrus. Sustainably grown in Bendigo, Central Otago, the vines are meticulously managed to produce low yielding, high quality fruit. This one is great with roast pork!
Framingham Classic Riesling: Based in Marlborough, the vineyard was first planted in 1981 making these are some of the oldest Riesling vines in the area. This wine has lots of complex citrus flavours - lemon, lime, grapefruit and mandarin! This one is perfect for spicy foods or Asian flavours.