Riesling – The Misunderstood and Overlooked Wine
There is probably not a single wine lover who has not had a bad Riesling once in their lives. For this reason, many decide that this is not the wine for them. This is a short-sighted judgment that should be rectified this minute.
Many people think that Riesling can only be a sweet white wine in a long-necked bottle. Again, this is not true. Rieslings come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be sweet or dry. If you keep an open mind on this subject, you will be in for a very pleasant drinking surprise!
Best Cheap Riesling Wines Under $15
(4.6 / 5) 
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(4.2 / 5) Best Overall
- Name — Sokol Blosser Evolution Lucky No. 9
- Winery — Sokol Blosser
- Country/Region — United States, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
- Type — Oregon State Riesling
- Aroma — Rose, Lychee, Floral, Citrus
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Ripe Pineapple, Butter, Apple, Orange Peel, Toast
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka, Grilled Jerk Chicken, Fruity Desserts
Aromatic and Exotic
Did these winemakers get lucky after nine attempts? I don’t know the answer, but what I do know is that this Evolution Lucky No 9 is one of the top Riesling wines under $15! Riesling is an aromatic wine and Lucky No 9 is no exception. You know that you have opened a tasty wine before you even drink the first drop. The refreshing citrus notes combined with hints of sweet, exotic lychee and melon will capture your imagination and will instantly transport you to a warm tropical beach.
Effortlessly Complex
This Riesling will pair beautifully with spicy food because it has a touch of acidity on the palate. This acidity continues through to the finish and perfectly balances the residual sugar. An old-fashioned wine that has re-invented itself to perfectly match modern food, a modern lifestyle, and modern people. The makers of this outstanding Riesling say: “Our goal is to make a wine that appears effortless – easy-drinking, relaxing – but in reality is quite complex.” My advice is simply try it!
Best Value
- Name — Weingut Nik Weis – St. Urbans-Hof Nik Weis Selection Urban Riesling
- Winery — Weingut Nik Weis – St. Urbans-Hof
- Country/Region — Germany, Mosel
- Type — German Riesling
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Green Apple, Lemon, Citrus Fruit
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Apple, Orange, Pear, Peach, Tripical Flavors
- Alcohol Content — 9.5%
- Sugar — Semi-Sweet
- Pairing — White Fish, Spicy Dishes, Cured Meat, Thai Food
A Classic German Riesling
Weingut St. Urbans-Hof is a classic German winery situated on the river Mosel. Since 1947 the Weis family has been producing top-rated Riesling under $15. They also produce more pricey Rieslings, but that is another story.
Crisp and Creamy
This particular Riesling appears white with a greenish tinge in the glass. There is something cool and refreshing just in the look of it. The nose presents you will all the freshness of a spring morning. There are aromas of honeysuckle, tangerine, orange blossom, and freshly squeezed lemons. They are all beautifully grounded by the flinty smell of wet stones. There is a whisper of sweetness on the palate, as well as a balancing creaminess and a pleasant tingle. The finish is satisfyingly long with the tropical flavors lingering until the last minute.
Best Under $10
- Name — Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
- Winery — Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Country/Region — United States, Washington, Columbia Valley
- Type — Washington State Riesling
- Aroma — Peach, Pear, Apple, Citrus, Lemon
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Honeysuckle, Pear, Honey, Pineapple, Apricot
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Semi-Sweet
- Pairing — Spicy Asian Food, Fried Calamari, Chicken Piccata, Sushi
Crisp and Light
One of the best characteristics of a Riesling is that it is a crisp, light white wine. And there are none as crisp and bright as the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. You would be hard-pressed, in fact, to find a good Riesling under $15 that offers better flavor than this one.
Hints of Petroleum and Ginger Infusion
The nose is full of the zesty citrus aromas that you would expect from a Riesling. There are also elements of honeysuckle and fresh, green apple. There are also the surprising, yet perfect hints of petroleum and ginger that enliven the palate with balanced acidity and the soft sweet flavor of ripe peach. This leads on to a mellow, dawdling finish which will remind you of a relaxing sunset. Yes, it is bordering on being a sweet wine, but it cannot be considered syrupy. It is the best Riesling wine under $10 on our list.
Best Sweet
- Name — Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling
- Winery — Pacific Rim
- Country/Region — United States, Washington, Columbia Valley
- Type — Sweet Riesling From Washington
- Aroma — Pear, Apple, Peach, Apricot, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Flint
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Pineapple, Mango, Melon, Banana, Strawberry, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Lemon Zest
- Alcohol Content — 8%
- Sugar — Sweet
- Pairing — Fried Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Spicy Mexican, Caribbean, Carrot Cake, Greek Orange Pie
Romantic Rose Petal Aroma
Bright and light, the Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling does exactly what it says on the label. It is fairly sweet, but refreshing with the subtle hints of tangerine peel, pineapple, pear, peach, and honey. There is just enough acidity to balance the sweetness and a palate-cleansing freshness to the finish aided by the aroma of dried rose petals.
Pacific Rim is rated as the best Riesling wine under $15, and a delightful drinking experience awaits you if you give this one a try with your favorite summer food while watching the sun sink over the Pacific.
Best From Germany
- Name — Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling
- Winery — Dr. Loosen
- Country/Region — Germany, Mosel
- Type — German Riesling
- Aroma — Apple, Passion Fruit, Lime, Banana, Mango
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Green Apple, Apricot, Peach, Mandarin, Flowers
- Alcohol Content — 8.5%
- Sugar — Semi-Sweet
- Pairing — Thai Food, Seafood Pasta, Lobster Tartare, Baklava
Mosel Valley Magic
This fruity, sweet wine is perfect with dessert. The refreshing acidity comes from the tart apple and plenty of citrus fruit flavors. German Riesling is one of the best you can get and this example is the best affordable Riesling I have had the pleasure of drinking for a long time. The characteristics of white wine from the Mosel valley are delicacy yet a little “edgy” at the same time. It is never boring on the palate.
From the moment the pale straw-colored wine appears in your glass, you will be enchanted. The opening notes of lime, grapefruit and wet stone inform your senses that they are about to experience something special. On the palate, apricot and apple join the citrus flavors, while the crushed stone leads you to the finish. Serve ice cold!
Best From United States
- Name — Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling
- Winery — Willamette Valley
- Country/Region — United States, Oregon, Willamette Valley
- Type — Oregon State Riesling
- Aroma — Peach, Apricot, Orange, Pineapple, Honeysuckle
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Guava, Apple, Pear, Nectarine, Lychee, Melon, Grapefruit
- Alcohol Content — 8%
- Sugar — Semi-Sweet
- Pairing — Thai Food, Red Snapper, Crab Cake, Grilled Calamari, Fried Chicken, Feta, Parmigiano Reggiano
A Fruity Nose
I would like to present to you a luscious semi-sweet Riesling that is versatile and everything a Riesling should be. The Willamette Valley Vineyard is arguably the best inexpensive Riesling you could drink today! For starters, your nose is met with a bouquet of delicious aromas. It has hints of ripe peach, pineapple, and honeysuckle.
An Exotic Palate
The palate dazzles with bright acidity which comes from the crisp green apple, sweet melon, and juicy lychee flavors – all perfectly balanced. It is essential to serve this Riesling well-chilled and then take your time to savor the aromas before taking the first sip.
Versatile and Very Affordable
It makes the perfect aperitif on a hot summer’s evening or served with spicy Asian dishes. Curry will come alive with a sip of this Riesling. Try serving it with desserts or a tangy cheese board. Besides being delightful to drink, this wine is versatile and easy on the pocket. What more could you want?
Best From Australia
- Name — Frisk Prickly Riesling
- Winery — Frisk
- Country/Region — Australia, Victoria
- Type — Australian Riesling
- Aroma — Pear, Peach, Apricot, Citrus, Floral Notes
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Lime, Apple Skin, Orange Blossom, Honey, Rose Petals
- Alcohol Content — 8.8%
- Sugar — Semi-Sweet
- Pairing — Spicy Latin And Asian Food, Coconut Curry, Grilled Halibut
An Intriguing Name for an Intriguing Riesling
And now for something completely different! This Australian Riesling is like a foxy lady. It is specially made for those who like a Riesling with an individual character, one that stands apart from the crowd. It has yin and yang expressed as sexy verve and elusive style. Don’t be fooled by the hint of rose petals. This Riesling has a backbone of steel. For this reason, it is a top-rated Riesling under $15.
Light Effervescence Makes the Palate Zing
To make things even more interesting, this Frisk Prickly Prickly Riesling has a little spritz. Added to the lime and apple on the palate, this gives a freshness that goes above and beyond the average Riesling. Food pairing is easy as this spicy little number will hold its own with strong-flavored Latin or Asian food. Don’t be surprised if the bottle empties quicker than usual, and make sure you have plenty to hand if you decide to share it with friends.
Best From France
- Name — Pierre Sparr Grande Réserve Riesling
- Winery — Pierre Sparr
- Country/Region — France, Alsace
- Type — French Riesling
- Aroma — Citrus, Honey, Apple, Pineapple, Peach, Flowery Notes
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Apple, Banana, Lime, Peach, Apricot, Lemon
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Dishes, Goat Cheese Tart, Charred Scallops, Sushi, Pork Chops
French Know Their Wines
Served well-chilled, the Pierre Sparr Grande Réserve Riesling will leave you with no doubt that you have just taken a sip of a top-rated Riesling under $15. As usual, the French know a thing or two about making delicious Riesling.
A Golden Delicious Drink
The flavor of Golden Delicious apples permeates this Riesling from start to finish. Not only does it lend a crispy freshness to the wine, but there is an unusual creaminess as well. Perhaps that comes from the faint yellow banana flavor that is layered with lemon peel and green granadilla, but everything is so perfectly balanced that the combined flavors are sublime. And that’s not all. There is a surprisingly soft, spicy finish. Pour me another glass, please!
Best From South Africa
- Name — Lothian Vineyards Vineyard Selection Limited Release Riesling
- Winery — Lothian Vineyards
- Country/Region — South Africa, Western Cape, Cape South Coast, Elgin
- Type — South African Riesling
- Aroma — Lemon, Lime, Pineapple, Hints of Petroleum, Floral Notes
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Apple, Pear, Gooseberry, Kiwi, Elderflower
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Schezwan Chicken, Mexican Chili, Thanksgiving Dinner
Understated, Yet Over Delivers
Lothian Vineyards have produced a show-stopping Riesling that will astound you with its price. It is the best budget Riesling that I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. The genius of the winemaker’s skill has been to create a wine with such understated complexity that you begin to question everything you thought a Riesling should taste like.
This limited release Riesling is bone dry with a flinty, mineral edge that provides the perfect backdrop for the subtle aromas. You will get lemon and lime on the nose. And then a hint of papaya. It enters the palate with the tart flavors of Cape gooseberry, elderflower, and floral notes from freesia flowers. The final notes of grapefruit, pine, and lemon cleanse your palate to perfection. I don’t think I have ever tasted a more delicious Riesling or one that is as unique. Truly the best Riesling for the money.
Honorable Mention
- Name — A to Z Wineworks Riesling
- Winery — A to Z Wineworks
- Country/Region — United States, Oregon
- Type — Oregon State Riesling
- Aroma — Orange Peel, Mango, Honeysuckle, Floral Notes
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Apple, Pear, Pineapple, Melon, Honey
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Asian Dishes, Roasted Turkey, Lime Shrimp, Indian Curry
No Better Way to Pass the Time
Few pleasures exceed that of sipping a delicious Riesling on a sunny afternoon. The A to Z Wineworks Riesling is one that I would recommend for just such a pastime. What makes it even more appealing is the price! You would probably not expect a white wine of this caliber to come in at such a budget price. If you have been asking “What is the best Riesling under $15?” then you have your answer right here.
Prepare Your Nose for the Time of its Life!
Right from the off, the nose is full of citrusy aromas of zingy lime zest and fresh tangerine. Wait a little while and the next layer will rise to great you. There will be a gooseberry, apricot, honey, fresh herbs floral notes, and green tea. “What a lot of aromas!” you may think. Do not fear, they are all blended and balanced to perfection.
Mouthwateringly Good
And then to the first sip… By now, your mouth will be watering, and the palate of this Riesling does not disappoint. The straw-colored wine with emerald tints will touch the tastebuds with slight acidity and honey sweetness. This is no ordinary Riesling. It is exotic and rich with a juicy finish. Drink it by itself or pair it with food, especially the spicy variety, and you will find a match made in heaven.
Conclusion
By now you will have gathered that not all Rieslings are created equal. However, I hope that this selection of affordable white wines will excite and engage you. I feel sure that there is something to suit every taste and pocket in this collection of Rieslings, and I hope that you derive as much pleasure as I have in sampling these wines. Enjoy!
