Riesling is celebrated for its diverse and expressive qualities, offering a tantalising range of aromas and flavours. This versatile grape delivers a spectrum of scents from zesty citrus to lush tropical notes, including peach, apricot, and honey. If you are a fan of the Riesling variety, The London Wine Competitions 2024 honoured some of the best and upcoming riesling wines across the world. 

Unique Characteristics of Riesling

Riesling is renowned for its expressive and versatile nature, offering a delightful range of aromas and flavours. Fresh and vibrant, Riesling wines can exhibit a spectrum of scents from zesty citrus to lush tropical notes, including peach, apricot, and honey. On the palate, this high-acid variety presents lively flavours of green apple, lemon, and lime, transitioning to richer profiles like apricot, pineapple, and ginger as sweetness increases. Riesling wines, which range in colour from pale water white to deep yellow-gold, are celebrated for their crisp acidity and the ability to age gracefully, developing complex nutty, toasty, and honeyed nuances over time. One of Riesling's standout features is its vibrant expression of terroir, providing a distinctive "sense of place" that reflects the specific characteristics of the vineyard's environment.

Winners Showcase

Dive into the world of award-winning Riesling wines and discover what makes them exceptional by exploring insightful videos from judges of the London Wine Competitions. Mike Best, Master of Wine, offers a deep dive into the qualities of the St Andrews Riesling, highlighting the elements that contributed to its success in the competition. Adriana Velentini, another esteemed judge, discusses the Skillogalee Clare Valley Riesling, noting its attractive packaging and key features that impressed her. Her perspective provides valuable context on what distinguishes this Riesling from others. Salvatore Castano shares his expertise on the Late Harvest Rhein Riesling, offering a detailed commentary on what drew his attention to this particular varietal. His reflections shed light on the nuances of Late Harvest Rieslings and why they stand out. 

The Best Riesling Wines from the London Wine Competitions 2024

1. St Andrews Riesling 2023, Gold Medal (90 Points)

St Andrews Riesling 2023, produced by Wakefield Taylors Wines from Australia, stands out with its expressive bouquet of fresh peaches, apricots, and subtle notes of petrol and capsicum. This Riesling is medium-bodied with a concentrated fruit profile that delivers a rich, long finish. Its balanced acidity and vibrant fruit character make it a notable example of the varietal, ideal for those who appreciate a well-rounded and persistent Riesling experience.

Image Title & Source: St Andrews Riesling 2023

2. Polish Hill River Riesling 2017, Silver Medal (89 Points)

O'Leary Walker Wines' Polish Hill River Riesling 2017 captures the essence of mature Riesling with its complex aromas of citrus fruits, dried apricot, and a hint of petrol. On the palate, it reveals rich dried fruit flavours, nuanced walnut notes, and medium acidity. The finish is elegantly balanced, with a subtle touch of forest floor that reflects the wine’s age and sophistication.

Image Title & Source: Polish Hill River Riesling 2017

3. Domaine Edmond RENTZ 2021, Silver Medal (89 Points)

Domaine Edmond RENTZ’s 2021 Riesling from France is a sophisticated wine that opens with delicate aromas of elderflower and green apple. The palate offers a delightful mix of ripe pineapple, white chocolate, and floral notes, showcasing the wine’s complexity and elegance. Its lingering finish highlights its well-integrated flavours, making it a standout choice for those who enjoy a nuanced and refined Riesling.

Image Title & Source: Domaine Edmond RENTZ’s 2021 Riesling

4. Skillogalee Trevarrick Riesling 2023, Silver Medal (88 Points)

Skillogalee Wines’ 2023 Trevarrick Riesling from Australia is a vibrant example of the varietal, featuring fresh pear and peach aromas with a lively palate. The wine is precise and concentrated, with ripe stone fruit flavours balanced by high acidity, resulting in a refreshing and crisp character, bright profile and a clean finish.

Image Title & Source: 2023 Trevarrick Riesling

5. Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Watervale Riesling 2023, Silver Medal (87 Points)

The 2023 Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Watervale Riesling from Australia presents delicate aromas of lemon, lemon blossom, and honeysuckle. On the palate, it is flinty with hints of smokiness and white pepper, aligning well with the aromatic notes. This Riesling’s subtle complexity and well-integrated flavours highlight its elegant and refined character, making it a notable selection for aficionados of nuanced Rieslings.

Image TItle & Source: 2023 Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Watervale Riesling

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Top Riesling Producing Regions

Germany

Germany stands as the world’s premier Riesling producer, with vineyards spread across all 13 wine regions. As one of the most northerly wine-growing areas, Germany's cool climate, characterised by reduced sunshine and lower temperatures, provides ideal conditions for Riesling. The country's varied soils, especially the heat-retaining, stony soils found on steep, south-facing slopes along river valleys, enhance the grape’s unique characteristics. The Mosel region, known for its slate soil, yields Rieslings that are delicate and mineral-driven. The Rheingau produces fuller-bodied Rieslings with structured acidity, while the Rheinhessen region offers wines with milder acidity and stone fruit flavours. Further south in the Pfalz, the warmer, drier climate delivers richer Rieslings with orchard fruit and earthy notes.

USA

In the United States, Washington State leads in Riesling production, with key regions including Columbia Valley, Willamette Valley, and Yakima Valley. Rieslings from these areas often feature off-dry profiles, balancing floral and tropical fruit flavours with high acidity. The Columbia Valley, the most prominent AVA, benefits from cool evenings that preserve the crisp acidity of the grapes. Riesling is also produced in cooler areas of California, New York's Finger Lakes, and Michigan, where similar off-dry and floral styles are found.

France

The Alsace region of France, located just across the Rhine from Germany, produces Rieslings with many similarities to their German counterparts. The climate in Alsace is warmer and drier, resulting in wines that are aromatic, expressive, and steely with high acidity. Alsatian Rieslings often present more floral aromas and a fuller body compared to German versions. They are typically dry or off-dry, but sweeter styles are also available, offering a creamy texture and higher alcohol content.

Australia

Australia’s Riesling heritage dates back to the 1800s, with key regions like Eden Valley and Clare Valley playing a significant role. Australian Rieslings are renowned for their vibrant lime, lemon, and tropical fruit flavours, often complemented by white flowers and orange blossom. Despite Australia’s warmer climate, the high altitudes of these regions help maintain the grape’s essential acidity. Australian Rieslings are generally fuller-bodied and higher in alcohol, with a texture that can be described as oily. In addition to South Australia, Riesling is also produced in Western Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Riesling’s remarkable versatility and expressive qualities make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a diverse and engaging experience. For a detailed guide to explore some of the finest wines of 2024, take a look at our complete list of winners at the London Wine Competitions 2024.

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