10 Best German Riesling Wines (2023)

10 Best German Riesling Wines Featured

Timeless Classic

One of the most complex grape varieties in the world, Riesling is native to Germany and specifically to the Rhine region. For the most part, Riesling wine is a highly aromatic white variety that produces wines from extreme complexity to extreme simplicity, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.

The primary flavors and aromas of a Riesling wine are lime, green apple, jasmine flower, petroleum, flint, kerosene, and beeswax. It goes exceptionally well with spicy food, such as Indian, Pakistani, or other Asian, and pork, bacon, crab cakes, and a variety of shellfish.


Best Overall Best Value Best Cheap Under $10 Best Under $15 Best Under $20 Best Under $30 Best Under $40 Best Under $50 Best Under $100 Best With Unlimited Budget
Bottle
Name Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett Peter Weinbach Riesling Medium Sweet Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling Weingut Nik Weis – St. Urbans-Hof Leitz Eins Zwei Dry Riesling Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Riesling Trocken Von Winning Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling Wittmann Westhofener Riesling Trocken Aus Ersten Lagen Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Egon Müller – Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese
Color White White White White White White White White White White
Country Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany Germany
Grapes Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling Riesling
Taste Peach, Apricot, Butter, Cream, Jasmine, Raspberry, Apple Pineapple, Guava, Melon, Raspberry, Flint, Beeswax, Yeast, Kerosene Peach, Nectarine, Grapefruit, Lime, Orange, Beeswax, Cream Apple, Orange, Pear, Peach, Tripical Flavors Pear, Apple, Guava, Honey, Flint, Petrol, Jasmine, Pineapple Grapefruit, Pineapple, Guava, Lime, Nectarine, Lime, Grass, Flint Apricot, Guava, Vanilla Spice, Dried Herb, Lemon, Lime, Yeast Pineapple, Flint, Steel, Cream, Honey, Beeswax, Guava, Nectarine Peach, Nectarine, Guava, Pineapple Papaya, Beeswax, Gooseberry, Caramel, Cream Pineapple, Guava, Butter, Brioche Bread, Charred Wood, Pear, Apple
Food Pairing Seafood, Pork Chops, Choucroute, Prawns, Goat Cheese, Colby Sea Bass, Pork Belly, Sushi, Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, Muenster Seafood, Halibut, Trout, Carbonara, Pizza, Aged Gouda Pork Chops, White Fish, Spicy Dishes, Cured Meat, Thai Food Scallops, Calamari, Red Snapper, Crab, Sashimi, Goat Cheese Snapper, Sea Bream, Halibut With Miso Sauce, Fennel Salad, Bacon-and-egg Pizza Seafood, Stir-fry Noodles, Roasted Pork With Honey Sauce, Braised Vegetables, Carpaccio Lobster, Sea Bass, Calamari, Sushi, Scallops, Pork Sandwiches, Havarti Salmon, Crab Cakes, Foie Gras, Roasted Goose, Pork Chops, Grilled Calamari Seafood, Pork Entrees, Antipasti, Lobster, Scallops, Smoked Meat, Caramelized Desserts
Alcohol Content 8.5% 8.5% 8.5% 9.5% 12.5% 12% 12% 13% 12.5% 9%
Sugar Content Semi-Sweet Semi-Sweet Semi-Sweet Semi-Sweet Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Sweet
Our Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5) 4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5) 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
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Best German Riesling Wines

Pricewise, Rieslings range from very affordable to unbelievably expensive. The best expressions are known for their aging potential, silky finish, and mouthwatering flavors. Also, Riesling is renowned for being subjected to noble rot (a process where the grapes are affected by a fungus known as Botrytis cinerea) that makes them partially raisined, thereby increasing the sweetness level. Below are some of the best-selling Riesling wines in Germany. Cheers!


Best German Riesling Wines

Best Overall

  • Name — Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett
  • Winery — Joh. Jos. Prüm
  • Country/Region — Germany, Mosel, Graach
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Pear, Apple, Lemon, Grapefruit, Honeysuckle, Flint, Stone
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Peach, Apricot, Butter, Cream, Jasmine, Raspberry, Apple
  • Alcohol Content — 8.5%
  • Sugar — Semi-Sweet
  • Pairing — Seafood, Pork Chops, Choucroute, Prawns, Goat Cheese, Colby
Overall Rating: 4.8

Positives
  • Aromatic
  • Refreshing
  • Long Aftertaste
Negatives
  • Sweeter Than Expected

Tasting Notes

With a fresh nose, full of minerals, florals, and citrus, and a juicy palate, Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is impressive and perfect for desserts or cheese. This is a youthful Riesling packed with aromas of pears, apples, lemons, grapefruit, honeysuckle, minerals, and flint. The palate is characterized by a distinctive raciness and flavors of stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots. There is also a hint of butter, cream, jasmine, and raspberries. Very long aftertaste with solid aging potential.

Late Harvest Wines

JJ Prum produces wines from grapes sourced from the best parts of the top Middle-Mossel, including Sonnenuhr, Zeltinger, and Bernkasteler Bratenhöfchen. They usually have a late harvest to craft wines with exceptional flavor concentration.


Best Value

  • Name — Peter Weinbach Riesling Medium Sweet
  • Winery — Peter Weinbach
  • Country/Region — Germany, Rheinhessen
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Lemon, Lime Blossom, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Grapefruit, Peach
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Melon, Raspberry, Flint, Beeswax, Yeast, Kerosene
  • Alcohol Content — 8.5%
  • Sugar — Semi-Sweet
  • Pairing — Sea Bass, Pork Belly, Sushi, Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, Muenster
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Inviting Bouquet
  • Fresh
  • Creamy
Negatives
  • Finish Could Have Been Longer

Tasting Notes

A fine Riesling with an inviting bouquet of citrus fruits, tropical fruit, apples, and white flowers. The palate is creamy and refreshing, showcasing tastes of pineapples, guavas, flint, and kerosene. Medium aftertaste. A great Riesling, indeed.

What Is the Best Riesling in Germany?

Aromatics of lemons, lime blossoms, honeysuckle, and jasmine join a core of grapefruit, pineapple, and peach nuances for a fulfilling bouquet. The palate is juicy, with flavors of pineapples, guavas, melons, and red fruits. A touch of flint meets notes of yeast and beeswax. Medium but graceful aftertaste. Racy acidity.


Best Cheap Under $10

  • Name — Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling
  • Winery — Dr. Loosen
  • Country/Region — Germany, Mosel
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Honeysuckle, Apple, Pear, Crushed Stones, Flint
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Peach, Nectarine, Grapefruit, Lime, Orange, Beeswax, Cream
  • Alcohol Content — 8.5%
  • Sugar — Semi-Sweet
  • Pairing — Seafood, Halibut, Trout, Carbonara, Pizza, Aged Gouda
Overall Rating: 4.5

Positives
  • Delicate Nose
  • Racy
  • Fruit-driven
Negatives
  • Little Sweeter Than Expected

Tasting Notes

A high-end Riesling from the Mosel region that has aromatic elegance and a racy style. It delivers an invigorating taste and is perfect for day-to-day enjoyment. Refreshing and fruit-driven, this wine from Mosel is juicy and delicious.

This wine begins with inviting aromas of delicate florals, apples, pears, and a touch of mineral notes, such as flint and crushed stones. The palate is juicy and fresh. There, tastes of peaches, nectarines, grapefruits, limes, and oranges dominate, while a hint of beeswax adds structure and creaminess. Crisp finish and refreshing acidity. Ideal with scallions and other seafood.

One of the Oldest German Wineries

Dr. Loosen is one of the oldest German wineries and sources grapes from the best vineyards in Germany. In fact, these vineyards have been awarded grand cru and premium cru status over the years. This way, the Dr. Loosen estate can produce exceptional Riesling wines, placing terror over technology and grape quality over quantity.


Best Under $15

  • 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 — Pork Chops, White Fish, Spicy Dishes, Cured Meat, Thai Food
Overall Rating: 4.5

Positives
  • Pleasantly Refreshing
  • Appetizingly Sweet
  • Lovely Aroma
Negatives
  • Slightly Acidic

Tasting Notes

This Riesling is characterized by its great middle-point, where it shows a balanced but delicious off-dryness. It has aromas and flavors of melons, grapefruit, apples, gravel, and pineapples. Quite an interesting choice!

As soon as you uncork the bottle, you find aromas of honeysuckle, cherry blossoms, melons, pears, and gravel. Once it reaches the palate, the sensations remain the same. Flavors of melons, grapefruits, green apples, pineapples, and stone fruits dominate, adding roundness and juiciness. The acidity is as expected, racy and steely. A fine aftertaste concludes the tasting journey.

One of Mosel’s Best

Founded in 1947, Nik Weis has become one of the best wineries in Mosel. In 2000, it became a member of Germany’s renowned VDP (Association of German Quality Wine Estates), and since then, has produced exceptional wines from grapes cultivated in individual crus. Nik Weis wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts for added flavor and authenticity.


Best Under $20

  • Name — Leitz Eins Zwei Dry Riesling
  • Winery — Leitz
  • Country/Region — Germany, Rheingau
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Apple, Pear, Honeysuckle, Raspberry, Kumquat, Orange, Grapefruit
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Pear, Apple, Guava, Honey, Flint, Petrol, Jasmine, Pineapple
  • Alcohol Content — 12.5%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Scallops, Calamari, Red Snapper, Crab, Sashimi, Goat Cheese
Overall Rating: 4.5

Positives
  • Dynamic Bouquet
  • Creamy Mouth
  • Refreshing Acidity
Negatives
  • Short Aftertaste

Tasting Notes

This wine is characterized by its bouquet of apple fragrance, kumquat, limes, grapefruits, and white floras. The palate is vibrant with touches of green fruits, stone fruits, tropicals, and honey. Short, but tasty aftertaste and sharp acidity that keeps everything balanced.

A fantastic Riesling that begins with a dynamic and clear bouquet of apples, pears, honeysuckle, raspberries, and kumquat. Touches of grapefruits and oranges are there, too, adding extra brightness. The mouth is creamy and vibrant, with flavors of apples, pears (just like the nose), guavas, and honey. An element of flint and petrol can be detected, too. It concludes with a short floral-influenced aftertaste. Refreshing acidity.

Passionate About Winemaking

The Leitz estate is a winery passionate about perfecting vinification. Their vineyards lie on the westernmost part of the Rhine on a steep, south-facing hillside and the grapes are entirely of Riesling, while, at the same time, encompassing the grand crus of Schlossberg, Rossland, and Roseneck. The perfect Riesling grapes that come from growing in a cordon system are full of flavor. The wines mature on lees to ensure structure and extra flavor. Winemaking perfection!


Best Under $30

  • Name — Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Riesling Trocken
  • Winery — Markus Molitor
  • Country/Region — Germany, Mosel
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Peach, Apricot, Honeysuckle, Petrol
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Grapefruit, Pineapple, Guava, Lime, Nectarine, Lime, Grass, Flint
  • Alcohol Content — 12%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Snapper, Sea Bream, Halibut With Miso Sauce, Fennel Salad, Bacon-and-egg Pizza
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Balanced
  • Long Aftertaste
  • Racy Acidity
Negatives
  • Slightly Sweeter Than Desired

Tasting Notes

This one has a recognizable Riesling nose, full of white flowers, peaches, and petroleum. Fruity and well-balanced on the palate, with residual sugars. High acidity and medium-bodied. Long and tasty finish.

Peaches, apricots, honeysuckle, and petrol notes define this wine’s bouquet. In the mouth, wine enthusiasts taste grapefruit mingled with pineapples, guavas, limes, and nectarines. A touch of honey exists, too, followed by hints of minerals and grass. The body is medium and fulfilling. Long aftertaste and crisp acidity.

Maintaining Quality

Markus Molitor founded the winery in 1984 when he took over his father’s winery. His intention was to produce high-quality Mosel Rieslings in the tradition of eight generations. At the same time, he aimed to keep the same quality that made the region world-famous 100 years ago, perfect terroir and expressive wines. And, this he did!


Best Under $40

  • Name — Von Winning Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling
  • Winery — Von Winning
  • Country/Region — Germany, Pfaltz
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Honeysuckle, Peach, Smoke, Charred Wood
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Apricot, Guava, Vanilla Spice, Dried Herb, Lemon, Lime, Yeast
  • Alcohol Content — 12%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Seafood, Stir-fry Noodles, Roasted Pork With Honey Sauce, Braised Vegetables, Carpaccio
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Mouthwatering
  • Dense Palate
  • Vibrant Aromas
Negatives
  • A Tad Too Oaky

Tasting Notes

Fermented in oak and aged on its lees for one year, this Riesling is fantastic and mouthwatering. Dense and long, with peach and smoke notes, Von Winning Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling is exceptional and makes a perfect house gift.

The wine begins with vibrant aromas of honeysuckle, peaches, smoke, and charred wood. The palate presents flavors of apricots, guavas, vanilla spice, dried herbs, lemons, and limes. In other words, it’s a cornucopia of juiciness. Medium-to-full-bodied, this Riesling also has intense yeasty notes and concludes in an aftertaste of crushed rocks. Very refreshing acidity.

Always Quality Wine

Von Winning Winery was established in 1849, producing wines that reflected their vineyards in Ruppertsberg, Deidesheim, and Forst. Over the years, the quality of their Resilings didn’t change in the least, as the winemakers kept harvesting grapes of optimal balance for vinification without interfering with the wine’s structure.


Best Under $50

  • Name — Wittmann Westhofener Riesling Trocken Aus Ersten Lagen
  • Winery — Wittmann
  • Country/Region — Germany, Rheinhessen
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Apricot, Peach, Milk, Papaya, Guava, Butter
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Pineapple, Flint, Steel, Cream, Honey, Beeswax, Guava, Nectarine
  • Alcohol Content — 13%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Lobster, Sea Bass, Calamari, Sushi, Scallops, Pork Sandwiches, Havarti
Overall Rating: 4.7

Positives
  • Nice Aftertaste
  • Structured
  • Electricic Acidity
Negatives
  • Lacks A Bit Of Balance

Tasting Notes

Packed with milk, apricots, peaches, butter, and papayas, this Riesling is tarty and full of tropical flavors. Some steely notes can be found, too. The crisp acidity refreshes the palate and keeps things balanced. Creamy and soft texture. Aromas of apricots, peaches, milk, papaya, guavas, and butter dominate the bouquet, which is structured and intense. Similarly, the palate exhibits tropical flavors and steely notes.

Balanced, yet, it has a racy, almost electric acidity that cuts through the creaminess. Quite a good aftertaste that presents an appealing mineral touch. Westhofener’s vineyards are situated around a glacial valley on the Rhine. There, the microclimate is mild. These ideal conditions enable the production of fine wines that adhere to sustainable and biodynamic growing and vinification methods. In the winery, slow fermentation and aging preserve the traditional Riesling aromas.


Best Under $100

  • Name — Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese
  • Winery — Fritz Haag
  • Country/Region — Germany, Mosel, Brauneberg
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Apple, Apricot, Pear, Peach, Honey, Petrol, Lemon
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Peach, Nectarine, Guava, Pineapple Papaya, Beeswax, Gooseberry, Caramel, Cream
  • Alcohol Content — 12.5%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Salmon, Crab Cakes, Foie Gras, Roasted Goose, Pork Chops, Grilled Calamari
Overall Rating: 4.9

Positives
  • Complex
  • Intense Flavors
  • Long Finish
Negatives
  • Just A Little Bit Unbalanced Acidity

Tasting Notes

Honey-flavored and one of the best and most complex Rieslings around, Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese. Aromas of green fruits, peaches, and white florals define, while the sweet creaminess envelops the palate. Lengthy finish. Among the best Riesling in Germany!

Get prepared for the aromas of apples, apricots, pears, peaches, and honey on the bouquet, followed by nuances of petrol and citruses. Inside the mouth, juicy tastes of white peaches and nectarines join a core of guavas, pineapples, papayas, and beeswax. Faint notes of flowers, gooseberries, and caramel exist, while the creaminess is intense, characterizing the mid-palate. High acidity and long, oak-influenced finish.

High-Quality Rieslings Since the 17th Century

Fritz Haag has produced high-quality Rieslings in the Brauneberg region of Mosel since 1605. In fact, the Haag family has had continuous ownership of the wine estate since that point. In 2008, Fritz Haag was awarded “Collection of the Year,” a prestigious award. The average annual production is about 5,500 cases of wine, most of which are high-end and perfectly expressive of the terroir.


Best With Unlimited Budget

  • Name — Egon Müller – Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese
  • Winery — Egon Müller
  • Country/Region — Germany, Mosel, Wiltingen
  • Type — German Riesling
  • Aroma — Peach, Nectarine, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Pear, Grapefruit, Lime
  • Grapes — Riesling
  • Taste — Pineapple, Guava, Butter, Brioche Bread, Charred Wood, Pear, Apple
  • Alcohol Content — 9%
  • Sugar — Sweet
  • Pairing — Seafood, Pork Entrees, Antipasti, Lobster, Scallops, Smoked Meat, Caramelized Desserts
Overall Rating: 5.0

Positives
  • Balanced
  • Dynamic
  • It Has Finesse
Negatives
  • Just Awesome

Tasting Notes

Generous and sweet, this Riesling is delicious in every respect. The wine starts the tasting journey with an expressive bouquet of juicy green and stone fruits and nuances of white flowers and citrus. The palate is creamy and delightful, showing dynamism and notes of yeast. Sweet, slightly oak-influenced aftertaste and moderate, unobtrusive acidity. Possibly the best German Riesling!

An almost perfect Riesling, full of sweetness and charm. It begins with the aromas of peaches, nectarines, jasmine, honeysuckle, and pears and touches of juicy grapefruits and limes. On the palate, the wine is creamy, presenting tastes of butter, brioche bread, and tropical fruits. The yeast is intense, as expected, while hints of oak can be enjoyed, too. Great aftertaste and fine, refreshing acidity. One-of-a-kind and highly recommended.

Egon Müller

Since 1797, the Egon Müller – Scharzhof estate has produced wine in Mosel’s steep, slate vineyards. That is one of the premium German wineries, and as such, you will find only exceptional vintages meticulously crafted bearing this label. Such wines are to be preserved and celebrated with passion.

Conclusion

If I had to go for white wine, Riesling would be my top choice. Whether it’s bone-dry and steely or lusciously sweet, Riesling wine is the pride of Germany and a favorite among wine connoisseurs. Sure, the most balanced and expressive expressions are expensive, but believe me when I say they’re totally worth it. If you’re on a budget, more affordable Riesling options also provide a great wine-drinking experience, with some of them even being among the top-rated Riesling wines in Germany. So, don’t miss out!

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