Riesling may not always top consumer popularity polls, but it holds a special place in the hearts of winemakers across the globe.
From the cool climate vineyards of Australia to the traditional heartlands of Germany and Austria, Riesling's versatility and unique characteristics make it a beloved grape variety.
A Winemaker's Favorite
The appeal of Riesling to winemakers lies in its chameleon-like ability to produce wines across a spectrum of styles, from sharp and zingy to rich and honey-drenched. This adaptability allows Riesling to be crafted into a variety of wines that can match an array of culinary delights, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Riesling's versatility makes it an excellent pairing for diverse dishes, from spicy fish curry to caramelized fruit tarts.
Culinary Pairings
Wine-Searcher offers a myriad of Riesling and food pairings, ranging from the classic British appetizer Angels on Horseback (oysters wrapped in bacon) to the simple elegance of Japanese tuna tataki. These often eccentric suggestions showcase Riesling's flexibility in complementing various flavors and cuisines.
Top 10 Best Value Rieslings
To identify the best value Rieslings, Wine-Searcher calculates the value for money by dividing aggregated critic scores by the price. Here are the top 10 best value Rieslings, all easy to find and ready to buy.
1. 2021 Hewitson Gun Metal Riesling:
- Value factor: 4.78
- Price: USD 19
- Score: 91 points
- Tasting Notes: Steely minerality, fresh lime, Granny Smith apple, jasmine, citrus fruit.
- Food Pairings: Pancetta-infused black truffle tortellini, sea bass with Szechuan Pepper chili oil.
2. 2022 Gunderloch Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett
- Value factor: 4.60
- Price: USD 20
- Score: 92 points
- Tasting Notes: Dry style, with classic Riesling flavors.
- Food Pairings: Spicy dishes, light salads.
3. 2016 Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling
- Value factor: 3.13
- Price: USD 30
- Score: 94 points
- Tasting Notes: Complex and aged, with a strong focus on sustainability.
- Food Pairings: Beef ramen with garlic and ginger.
4. 2021 Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese
- Value factor: 2.87
- Price: USD 32
- Score: 92 points
- Tasting Notes: Sweet, grown on iron-rich red slate soils.
- Food Pairings: Duck liver parfait, chicken liver pâté, Thai sweet and sour prawns, apple strudel.
5. 2022 Weingut Alfred Merkelbach 'Urgluck' Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese
- Value factor: 2.50
- Price: USD 38
- Score: 95 points
- Tasting Notes: Sweet with delicate minerality.
- Food Pairings: Duck liver parfait, chicken liver pâté, apple strudel.
6. 2020 Hillick & Hobbs Estate Vineyard Dry Riesling
- Value factor: 2.44
- Price: USD 38
- Score: 93 points
- Tasting Notes: Lush stone fruit flavors, floral aromatics.
- Food Pairings: Grilled pork sausages, lamb tongue, neck, and sweetbreads.
7. 2020 Weingut Stadt Krems Grillenparz Riesling Erste OTW Lage Reserve
- Value factor: 2.11
- Price: USD 44
- Score: 93 points
- Tasting Notes: Flinty, with a long history dating back to 1452.
- Food Pairings: Grilled pork sausages, lamb tongue, neck, and sweetbreads.
8. 2020 Weingut Leo Alzinger Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd
- Value factor: 2.10
- Price: USD 46
- Score: 97 points
- Tasting Notes: Clean stone fruit notes, elegant.
- Food Pairings: Japanese grilled yellowtail, fish eggs, catfish, yam.
9. 2021 Von Winning Ungeheuer Riesling Grosses Gewachs
- Value factor: 2.00
- Price: USD 47
- Score: 94 points
- Tasting Notes: Mineral-driven, elegant.
- Food Pairings: Wasabi prawns, Indian guinea fowl kofta.
10. 2019 Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Heiligenstein Riesling Erste Lage
- Value factor: 1.95
- Price: USD 48
- Score: 94 points
- Tasting Notes: Superlative Riesling, environmentally balanced.
- Food Pairings: Wasabi prawns, Indian guinea fowl kofta.
Conclusion
Riesling's popularity among winemakers and food enthusiasts is a testament to its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of dishes. Whether dry or sweet, these top value Rieslings offer exceptional quality and flavor, making them perfect for any occasion.
Source: Wine-Searcher