Welschriesling may share part of its name with Germany’s celebrated Riesling, but genetically and stylistically, the two varieties are unrelated.
In fact, Welschriesling’s true origins point towards northern Italy, where it is known as Riesling Italico. Its closest genetic relative is believed to be Elbling, an ancient European grape. The variety has traveled far across Central and Eastern Europe and is cultivated under various names: Olasz Rizling in Hungary, Laški Rizling in Slovenia, and Graševina in Croatia.
A Chameleon in the Vineyard
What makes Welschriesling remarkable is its versatility. It can produce wines across the full spectrum of quality levels—from refreshing, everyday wines to world-class sweet wines with remarkable ageing potential.
In Austria, the grape is planted over 2,774 hectares, primarily in:
- Niederösterreich (1,075 ha, 38.75%)
- Burgenland (939 ha, 33.84%)
- Steiermark (746 ha, 26.90%)
- Wien (10 ha, 0.37%)
Crisp, Dry Wines with Freshness
In its dry style, Welschriesling wines are known for their lively acidity and refreshing aromatics, often displaying notes of green apples, citrus fruits, and in some cases, hints of fresh herbs. These wines are often enjoyed young for their crisp, clean profile. Increasingly, some winemakers are experimenting with extended lees contact, creating more textured and complex expressions that can benefit from bottle ageing.
Sparkling and Simple Pleasures
The variety is also prized for its use in base wines for Sekt—Austria’s sparkling wines. Grapes grown in the Poysdorf area of Weinviertel, with their naturally high acidity and neutral flavour profile, are ideal for producing elegant, structured sparkling wines.
In Steiermark, Welschriesling often appears in the beloved Buschenschank wines—light, easy-drinking wines served in traditional taverns, paired with rustic regional dishes. These wines highlight the variety’s unpretentious charm and drinkability.
Wine Tasting
- Weingut Eichberger Welschriesling: Bright, shimmering pale yellow in the glass. On the nose, aromas of fresh lime wedges, lemon balm, and a hint of elegant herbal spice rise delicately. The palate is crisp and lively, bursting with notes of crunchy green apple and underscored by a zesty, invigorating acidity. Clean, precise, and refreshingly dry, this Welschriesling offers a truly revitalising drinking experience.
- Weingut Domittner Welschriesling: The nose opens with a delicate and finely spiced aroma of dried hay, ripe juicy apples, and a touch of meadow herbs, evoking a late summer breeze. On the palate, it reveals soft yellow fruit tones, carried by a wonderfully mild and balanced acidity. Smooth and harmonious, this wine offers a subtle yet engaging character.
We’ve chosen these two Welschrieslings to showcase the remarkable regional diversity of this versatile grape. The Weinviertel Welschriesling impresses with its crisp acidity, citrus-driven freshness, and structured minerality—an ideal example of the variety’s classic, northern expression. In contrast, the Vulkanland, Steiermark Welschriesling brings a softer, more aromatic profile with herbal nuances and ripe yellow fruit, shaped by the region’s volcanic soils and warmer climate. Together, they reflect the breadth of style and terroir-driven character that Welschriesling can offer across Austria.
A Star in Sweet Wines
Perhaps Welschriesling’s most extraordinary expressions come from its role in noble sweet wines. In the warm, humid microclimate of Burgenland's Seewinkel region, the grape is susceptible to botrytis (noble rot), allowing for the production of Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese. These wines are celebrated worldwide for their exotic fruit aromatics, honeyed notes, and vibrant acidity, which balances the richness and allows the wines to age for decades.
Conclusion
Welschriesling may not have the international recognition of Riesling or Grüner Veltliner, but it is undoubtedly one of Austria’s most adaptable and intriguing white varieties. From light and zesty wines to noble sweet masterpieces, Welschriesling proves that it can rise to any occasion—whether it’s poured in a rustic tavern or served in a crystal glass at a grand dinner.