What Foods Go Well with Riesling? Top Tips for a Delightful Meal

One of the best parts about wine is its ability to pair well with specific foods to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the meal. Yet, wine pairing can often be daunting, and some wine appreciators are hesitant to experiment when pairing wine with food. It’s understandable — nobody wants to ruin a meal with a bad pairing.

Riesling wine is a fine choice for creating a memorable meal. Riesling wine is known for impressively walking the line between acidity and sweetness. The exact balance varies by winemaker and region, which has led to a staggering number of Riesling varietals to explore. 

What does Riesling pair with? Some sommeliers consider Riesling pairing a no-fail option due to its versatility to pair with a wide range of foods. Riesling can pair with spicy foods, pasta, desserts, and even seafood. So let’s dive into the world of Riesling wine and discover why it’s such a unique and adaptable varietal. 

About Riesling Wine

Riesling can be dry, off-dry, or sweet. It all depends on the region where the grapes were grown and how the wine was made. The Riesling grape is unique because it doesn't mix well with other grapes. This attribute has made Riesling stand on its own and encourages winemakers to explore everything the grape is capable of. 

The Riesling grape can grow in wine-friendly climates around the world. Germany is the most popular region, but the grape has since spread to wineries worldwide. Regional terroir influences can result in a light to full-bodied wine, alongside varying levels of acidity and sweetness. 

The most famous and commonly found Riesling style is semi-sweet with fresh acidity and subtle sweetness. It usually has notes of jasmine, citrus, or beeswax. However, the dry style has recently grown in popularity. 

Why is Riesling so Popular in Dining Rooms?

Riesling’s flavor profile diversity is largely why it’s become famous around the world. Different winemakers produce unique Rieslings, and wine enthusiasts love exploring the unique tastes and aromas. 

However, all Riesling wines have one thing in common: they are known as refreshing. Who doesn’t want a refreshing wine with their dinner? 

Riesling wine pairing covers nearly the entire spectrum of food favorites. White wines, in general, are pretty adaptable, but Riesling is generally more adaptable than even Gruner Veltliner food pairing. 

Should Riesling be Served Chilled?

It’s essential to learn how to serve Riesling before diving into specific pairings. Do you drink Riesling cold or at room temperature?

Unsurprisingly, the answer is chilled, or room temperature are both acceptable. Riesling keeps showing us how adaptable the varietal is. Other wines have much firmer rules about serving temperatures, but Riesling can be served however you please. Some sommeliers will swear by serving it chilled, but it’s also excellent at room temperature. 

Riesling wine pairing will typically dictate the temperature, but it’s generally based on personal preference. For example, did you dislike how it paired with spicy Thai cuisine? Try it chilled next time and see if that’s more to your liking. 

Excellent Riesling Food Pairing Options to Explore

What food goes with Riesling wine? Now that you know how to drink Riesling let’s get into the specific Riesling food pairings you might want to consider for your next meal. 

Finally, a Wine for Spicy Foods

Some might say spicy foods are impossible to pair, but others would say spicy foods are the perfect companion for Riesling wines. Sweet Riesling wines, such as German Riesling Auslese, are ideal for spicy food pairings.

Indian food, and Thai, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines are all known for offering spicy dishes. However, it’s worth noting that these cuisines do a lot more than use peppers; most use a unique blend of spices to achieve wonderful flavors. Despite the variety, sweeter Rieslings will generally work well with these types of dishes. 

This pairing works because of the subtle sweetness. A sweet wine might harshly contrast with the spicy, while highly-acidic wines usually overpower the subtle undertones of these dishes. 

Riesling is a Charcuterie Plate’s Best Friend

You better believe that cheese with Riesling is a perfect match. Pick an off-dry Riesling with a hint of sweetness, then pair it with pungent washed-rind cheeses. Taleggio, Munster, Raclette, and Morbier are typical pungent cheeses that pair wonderfully with Riesling. 

Is Riesling a Dessert Wine?

Riesling can undoubtedly be a dessert wine. Sweet style Rieslings will complement many sweet dishes, but this will vary based on your preferences. Lighter dishes such as berry desserts or apple pie are typical crowd-pleasers that work well with Riesling. 

If you love sweetness, explore all types of desserts with sweet Rieslings. Since Riesling is typically a bit more subtle in its sweetness than other sweet wines, it generally won’t overpower desserts. 

Riesling is Perfect for Casual Meals, Too

You don’t need to save a nice glass of wine for a night out at a fancy restaurant; Riesling works wonderfully with many casual meals. For example, it’s an ideal BLT wine pairing, including potato chips on the side. 

Salads and vegetable-heavy dishes work perfectly with an off-dry Riesling. The refreshing nature of Riesling can work wonderfully with crisp vegetables. Vegan and vegetarian dishes can work well with Riesling, but it will certainly depend on the exact dish. Some Indian vegetarian options might overpower Riesling wines, while other dishes will work perfectly. 

Can Work with Pasta, But Use Caution

Riesling might seem like a one-size-fits-all wine, but it still has limitations. For example, pasta entrees with a typical tomato sauce and fresh herbs can certainly work well with a sweeter Riesling, but heavier and more complex sauces may overpower the delicate Riesling flavor profile. 

Where Can I Buy Riesling in Salmon Arms?

You can see why Riesling wines have exploded in popularity; they work with nearly everything. Rieslings come in a diverse range of flavor profiles that lend themselves to specific pairings. You can explore these differences to discover your favorite pairings. 

Where can you find Rieslings in Salmon Arms? Larch Hills Winery is a top winemaker in the Salmon Arms, with a diverse selection of premium wines. Explore our shop today to discover your next favorite white wine.