what goes with riesling

2 min read 27-12-2024

Riesling, with its diverse range of sweetness levels and acidity, is a remarkably versatile wine. Finding the perfect food pairing depends heavily on the specific style of Riesling. This guide explores the best food pairings for different types of Riesling, helping you elevate your next meal.

Understanding Riesling Styles

Before diving into pairings, it's crucial to understand the spectrum of Riesling styles. They range from bone-dry to intensely sweet, each possessing a unique flavor profile.

1. Dry Riesling (Trocken):

These Rieslings are characterized by crisp acidity and vibrant fruit notes like green apple, citrus, and sometimes petrol (a desirable characteristic in older bottles).

2. Off-Dry Riesling (Halbtrocken):

These offer a pleasant balance between sweetness and acidity, displaying flavors of ripe pear, apricot, and honeydew melon.

3. Sweet Riesling (Süß):

These Rieslings are lusciously sweet with concentrated fruit flavors like orange marmalade, honey, and lychee. Their acidity balances the sweetness, preventing them from being cloying.

Food Pairings for Different Riesling Styles

The best food pairing hinges on balancing the wine's sweetness and acidity with the dish's flavors and textures. Here's a breakdown:

Dry Riesling Pairings:

Spicy Dishes: The wine's acidity cuts through the heat of spicy Asian cuisine, Thai curries, or Mexican food. The fruit notes complement the spices beautifully.
Appetizers: Think shellfish, oysters, goat cheese, or salads with vinaigrette dressings. The dryness enhances the flavors of these lighter fare.
Fish and Seafood: Grilled fish, especially those with lighter flavors like cod or sea bass, are excellent matches. The wine's acidity cuts through richness.
Pork Dishes: Especially dishes featuring lighter preparations or herbs, such as roasted pork tenderloin with apples and sage.
Asian-Inspired Dishes: Think spring rolls, seared scallops with soy sauce, or even some lighter stir-fries.

Off-Dry Riesling Pairings:

Slightly Spicy Foods: Off-dry Riesling works well with dishes that have a gentle spice. Think Indian dishes with mild curries or Moroccan tagines.
Fruity Dishes: The slight sweetness of the wine pairs well with fruit-forward dishes like grilled peaches with prosciutto or chicken with apricot glaze.
Cheese: Semi-hard cheeses like Gruyère or Comté provide a lovely contrast to the wine’s sweetness.
Salads with Fruit: A salad with apples, pears, or berries can complement the wine's fruity notes.
Pasta dishes with creamy sauces: Consider lighter cream sauces or those with added fruit components.

Sweet Riesling Pairings:

Spicy Asian Dishes: The sweetness of the wine contrasts beautifully with spicy dishes, particularly those with a rich sauce or strong flavors.
Fruity Desserts: The obvious choice! Think fruit tarts, apple crumble, or even a cheese plate with blue cheese.
Pâtés and Foie Gras: The rich, fatty nature of these dishes is nicely balanced by the wine's sweetness and acidity.
Sweets with Asian Influences: Consider desserts with ginger, citrus, or other Asian-inspired flavors.
Thanksgiving Leftovers: Sweet Riesling makes a surprisingly wonderful pairing for turkey and stuffing.

What NOT to Pair with Riesling

While Riesling is versatile, there are some pairings to avoid:

Very rich, heavy dishes: The acidity of even sweet Riesling might get lost against overwhelmingly rich dishes.
Dishes with overwhelming sweetness: The wine's sweetness might clash with overly sugary desserts.
Strongly acidic dishes: Two strong acids together can clash.

Experiment and Discover

Ultimately, the best way to find your perfect Riesling pairing is to experiment! Don't be afraid to try different combinations and discover what you enjoy most. The beauty of Riesling lies in its adaptability, and its range of styles allows for countless delicious pairings. Cheers!