What to Pair With Riesling

Riesling is a wine with a noticeably high acidity, which allows it the longevity needed to age well. But high acidity is the only characteristic uniting all Rieslings. This wine is a chameleon of sorts, throwing different dominant characteristics depending on its origin.

While Rieslings are known to be quite sweet, they can also be very dry. This comes down to where the wine originated from. Those who prefer sweet wines will appreciate Rieslings from Germany and California. Rieslings from places like Washington, New York, and Austria tend to be drier.

What Pairs Well with Riesling

Rieslings are often described as having a flavor profile that includes lime, lemon, pineapple, apricot, and floral notes. The light body and low alcohol content of Riesling make it a good fit for pairing with spicy and fried dishes.

Here are a few of our go-to Riesling pairings:

Lobster

The high acidity of Riesling makes it an ideal pairing for lobster. Riesling from Alsace in France is an especially compatible companion for lobster.

Why It Pairs Well:

• A light, crisp Riesling will not overpower the delicate flavor of lobster.

Salmon

The spices used to flavor salmon are often what marries Riesling and salmon together as an optimal pair. It won’t detract from the flavor of the salmon because it is a light and crisp wine.

Why It Pairs Well:

• Riesling will not overpower the flavors of the salmon.
• Many Rieslings will have a slight citrus flavor that is complementary to salmon.

Tuna

Riesling can add depth and complexity to tuna. It’s brisk, fruit flavor and punchy acidity make it a versatile option for pairing with seafood. While tuna can handle being paired with red wine, if you prefer white wines, Riesling is one of the best choices.

Why It Pairs Well:

• The sweetness of the wine highlights the flavors of the fish.
• The acidity and complexity of Riesling isn’t overshadowed by the tuna.

Salmon

The crisp and acidic qualities of Riesling pair well with the rich flavors of salmon. Our Atlantic salmon is served with a homemade creamy tomato and can be paired with a Reisling of your choosing by our in-house sommelier.

Lobster

The high acidity of Riesling pairs well with the natural sweetness of our coldwater rock lobster tails. These are carved tableside and served with clarified butter. This dish can be paired with a Reisling of your choosing by our in-house sommelier.

The History of Riesling

Riesling originated in the Rhine region of Germany before spreading throughout the world. This wine is intensely aromatic, releasing strong fruit aromas from the glass even when it has been chilled.

While Riesling originated in Germany, this wine is now produced in Australia, France, Austria, and New Zealand. You’ll also find it from Washington, California, and the Finger Lakes in the United States.

Riesling ranges from pale straw to deep yellow in color and is best served at 43ºF.

If you’re a fan of Riesling try out Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, or Gewürztraminer.

For informational purposes only.