Riesling is a white aromatic grape variety that produces wine across the range - from botrytised sweet (some of the best in the world) to dry and semi-dry varietals, with enchanting citrus and stone fruit aromas, as well as the typical petrol aroma that can dominate noticeably in certain terroirs. The home of Riesling can be said to be the Rhine and Mosel river valleys in Germany - the variety likes cooler weather. Naturally this is also where the main wine regions of the country are (Mosel, Rheinhessen, Rheingau, Palatinate). The vineyards are situated on steep hills, making mechanised cultivation difficult, so viticultural activities here are mainly manual. The wines from these areas are fresh and have a pronounced acidity. However, Riesling is by no means the main variety in Germany; in fact, the wine region where it is most common is another, and that is Alsace in France (or Alsace as the French pronounce it). Unlike German Riesling, French Riesling is more rich and luscious thanks to the specific microclimate there - the Vosges mountains provide protection from northerly winds and frosts, and the sun is more generous in this more southerly region. Outside of these countries, perhaps Austria also presents itself with an interesting take on this often called king of the white varieties, and some New World countries are also experimenting with it successfully.  

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