riesling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal (specialist in wine contexts), informal in social/dining contexts.
Quick answer
What does “riesling” mean?
A white grape variety used to make wine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white grape variety used to make wine.
A dry, semi-dry, or sweet white wine, often with floral and fruity aromas, produced from the Riesling grape, most famously associated with Germany, Alsace, Austria, and other cool-climate regions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Both associate it with quality white wine, often from Germany. In the UK, may have a slightly stronger historical association with sweet German wines (e.g., Blue Nun). In the US, drier styles from Washington State or New York are also prominent.
Frequency
Equally common in wine-related discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “riesling” in a Sentence
[uncountable] They served Riesling with the starter.[countable] We tasted three excellent Rieslings.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “riesling” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A Riesling-style wine from another grape.
American English
- They make a Riesling-inspired blend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the wine import/export trade: 'Our Q3 forecast shows increased demand for premium Riesling.'
Academic
In viticulture or oenology studies: 'The terroir's slate soils are crucial for the minerality in Mosel Riesling.'
Everyday
In social or dining situations: 'Shall we get a Riesling to go with the spicy food?'
Technical
In wine tasting notes: 'This Riesling presents a nose of petrol, lime zest, and white peach.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “riesling”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “riesling”
- Misspelling: 'Reisling', 'Riesing'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈraɪzlɪŋ/ (like 'rising').
- Assuming all Riesling is sweet (it ranges from bone-dry to very sweet).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Riesling is made in a wide spectrum of styles from bone-dry (trocken) to lusciously sweet (e.g., Trockenbeerenauslese).
Germany is the most famous and largest producer of Riesling, particularly in regions like Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz.
It is a desirable, complex aroma compound (TDN) that develops in some Rieslings with bottle age, considered a sign of maturity and quality in dry styles.
Its acidity and range of sweetness make it versatile. It pairs excellently with spicy Asian cuisine, pork, poultry, and rich fish like salmon or trout.
A white grape variety used to make wine.
Riesling is usually neutral to formal (specialist in wine contexts), informal in social/dining contexts. in register.
Riesling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːzlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriːslɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REES-ling' is a pleasing wine. The 'Ries-' sounds like 'reese' (as in peanut butter cups), which are sweet, but Riesling can be dry too!
Conceptual Metaphor
Riesling is a chameleon (adapts to sweetness levels). Riesling is a high-wire act (balances acidity and sweetness).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of many Riesling wines?