Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Riesling most likely comes from the banks of the Rhine and is probably a descendant of Gouais Blanc. In Hungary it is known as Rajnai rizling, and it is a different grape from Olaszrizling. It forms small bunches of small berries. Its dry wines are aromatic, lively and elegant, with very high acidity, and they age well, slowly developing the famous 'petrol' note. Overripe or botrytised grapes make great sweet wines.
Characteristics
White wine grape; small bunches; small berries; very high acidity; aromatic, elegant wine; mid-season ripening (late September to October); good winter hardiness; good fruitfulness after spring frost; pruned long; sensitive to grey rot, anthracnose and grape moths
Growing Tips
Riesling is one of the hardiest wine grapes in winter, and it still crops after a spring frost, so it suits cool gardens. Prune it long and train it on a trellis. It is sensitive to grey rot, anthracnose and grape moths. Grey rot on the bunch stems can make grapes drop early, so keep bunches airy in wet autumns.