Calories in Riesling

Riesling is a white grape, which is also known by many other names - Weisser Riesling, Rhein Riesling, Riesling Renano, and Johannisberg Riesling. It is the most versatile of all the savory grapes. It was originally produced in the Rhine region of Germany. This aromatic grape variety makes dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling white wines.

The character of this wine varies according to the place of origin. It is popular in Germany since the fourteenth century. The grape variety from Germany and California is believed to be perfect for making it. It is also grown in the Alsace region of France, Austria, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

According to the statistics available, a few years back, it was the world's twentieth most grown variety at 48,700 hectares (120,000 acres), while in terms of importance for quality, it is usually included in the 'top three' white wine varieties, together with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

It is the most planted grape in Rhine Valley, Germany, and if you happen to hear the Germans talking about a 'Rhine Wine', you may take it for granted that they are talking about Riesling.

This grape ripens late and has a moderate yield. This affects both, output and price. A cheap Riesling is often sharp, while an expensive and well-grown one will be sweet, complex, and aged well.

Once, it was doubted whether it can maintain its acids in warmer climates, away from its chilly Rhine homeland in Germany. But it has been noticed that in California, these grapes reach a ripeness almost never achieved in Germany and this extraordinary combination of ripe and developed fruit, coupled with acidity, gives the California Riesling a unique aroma and flavor.

The Californian variety is generally dry with a melony taste, while the German ones are more tart and 'fruity'. Most of these wines are varietally pure (made principally from one grape and carrying the name of the same grape) and are rarely oaked.

It is available in various flavors which includes fruity, floral, honey, and musky. This wine should not be served cold. They should be served at around 47° F.

This wine can be enjoyed very well with oriental dishes and all types of seafood. The most amazing fact about it is that it is one of the few alcoholic beverages that goes well with chocolate. It is also great on its own, as a dessert wine. It is considered as the world's best dessert wine. In Ontario, Canada, ice wines are made with this grape.

• Riesling: 90 calories per 4 oz. serving
• Riesling White Wine: 23 calories per 1 fl. oz. (30 gm)
• Riesling, Red Zinfandel, White Burgundy, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon: 115 calories per 5 fl. oz.
• Riesling, Sweet Dessert Wine: 270 calories per 6 oz. glass

It is cherished by German wine makers and connoisseurs, as their noblest variety. People in France's Alsace region also consider it as an aristocratic wine. The ones produced in the warmer, drier, and sunny Alsatian climate is fuller-bodied, more intensely fruity, and dry to the palate. It is distinctively different from the ones that are produced in Germany.

For all wine lovers, this is a fascinating example of the stunningly graceful role that sugar and acid play in developing a wine's overall balance. Now that you know so much about this wine, you can easily incorporate it in your diet.