In the pantheon of red and white wines, there are countless varieties available, each with different flavor profiles, colors, and compositions. One of the more interesting and storied white varieties is Riesling. While it is also made in a dry style, this variety is best known for its sweet versions. Thanks to its versatility at table, it's also very popular with chefs and wine enthusiasts alike. 

While Riesling is very distinct, you can enjoy similar flavors in other wines similar to Riesling. If you're a fan and in search of Riesling alternatives for a change of pace, read on to learn what makes Riesling unique and what other wines can fill its place.

A Riesling Crash Course

Though the history is somewhat clouded, the general consensus in the wine world is that the Riesling grape originated in Germany, with the first mention as far back as the 15th century. Over a period of time, Riesling became extremely fashionable and at one point overshadowed the demand and price of even Bordeaux and Champagne.

Riesling Characteristics

Riesling is a highly aromatic wine, which contributes to its immense enjoyability. The grape yields floral wines, with fruit flavors ranging from the sweetness and tang of a ripe lime to the fragrant nectar of a peach. Its high acidity lends itself well to pairing with food, and also makes it quite suitable for extended aging. In addition to its light body and high acidity, the flavors you may experience with a Riesling include: 

• Apple
• Grapefruit, lemon, and other citrus fruits
• Peach
• Pear
• Gooseberry
• Honeycomb

The specific aroma and taste will depend on the age of the Riesling. You’ll find the typical aromas and flavors in a younger Riesling. Whereas an older Riesling develops more complex and devloped notes such as petrol, pine, lanolin and even smoky elements. If you’re a recent fan of Riesling, you may want to work your way up to appreciating older bottles (though they are fantastic!)

Types of Riesling

Any Riesling you try will fall into one of these four categories:

1. Sweet: Sweet Riesling’s ideal age is anywhere between 10 and 30 years.
2. Dry: The aging period for dry Rieslings falls anywhere from five to 15 years.
3. Semi-Sweet: The perfect balance for those looking to explore their preferences, the semi-sweet variety of Riesling’s ideal age is between 10 and 20 years.
4. Sparkling: There is a sparking variety of nearly every wine out there, and Riesling is no exception. Sparking Riesling is called “sket” in Germany and is very popular there to this day.

Riesling Alternatives to Try

As delightful as Rieslings are, it's always a good idea to be aware of wines that offer similar traits. Maybe the Riesling you wanted isn't available, or perhaps you're simkply in the mood to try something similar but different. If you love Riesling you'll want to expand your knowledge of wines that can offer you similar pleasures.

Let’s explore four incredible Riesling alternatives for you to sample next time you reach for a bottle.

Pinot Blanc

The Pinot Blanc grape varietal is grown in similar places to the traditional Riesling. It can be found in Germany and Austria, where it is used to produce a light-bodied wine with refreshing acidity. Like sweeter Rieslings, Pinot Blanc has rich peach, lemon zest, and pear notes. Unlike Riesling, Pinot Blanc rounder and not as intense, which allows for some oak-aging. Pinot Blanc can pair well with summer salads, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and light dishes like shrimp in pesto. 

Muscat Blanc

 Muscat blanc comes from Greece and is famous for producing sweet, sparkling wine. This variety is known for fruity aromas that it shares with many Rieslings, such as lemon, orange, pear, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. Muscat blanc wines pair very well with cuisines with spice to them, as the sweetness balances the spicy flavor.

Gewurztraminer

Like Riesling, Gewurztraminer bears the same intense floral aromatics with beautiful rose, ginger, and spice notes. Medium bodied and not as acidic as Riesling, Gewurztraminer is most often a dry wine, though dessert wines are also made from this grape. It pairs well with the spicy dishes from India, southeast Asia, and Morocco. 

Torrontés

Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape. This grape variety is similar to Riesling in its color and growing conditions. Like Riesling, this grape produces wines that bear intense rose, peach, and lemon aromas. It is usually dry and is the perfect Riesling alternative for those who enjoy a drier variety. Torrontés wine pairs well with dishes using strong spices and aromatic herbs. 

Explore Beyond Riesling

Since the profile of Riesling is so varied, it should be easy to choose one that is likely to pair well with most dishes you enjoy. Even if you don’t want to restrict yourself to Riesling wines, we have shown you some of the varieties available to any Riesling enthusiast. You can find your favorite Riesling or wines that taste like Riesling on JJ Buckley Fine Wines. We have the widest selection of Riesling and Riesling alternatives of any online wine retailer. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, you can speak with any of our available wine experts. We’re sure that we can help you find the best wines that will please your palate.