Riesling – The People’s Choice
Riesling has been growing in popularity in recent years. This old-school wine variety was overlooked for some years, and this may be because it was considered just a dessert wine by many. However, Rieslings come in all shapes and sizes and modern palates have discovered that it can be a delicious wine to drink on its own. It is in food pairing that this wine really comes into its own. With our twenty-first century ability to have any global cuisine at our fingertips, it is great to have a food-friendly wine like Riesling to wash it down.
Best Riesling Wines Under $20
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(4.2 / 5) Best Dry Overall
- 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
Nik Weis
City dwellers are the target audience for this top Riesling wine under $20. Winemaker, Nik Weis spent many years traveling to large cities around the world. He discovered that the “urban lifestyle” needed a wine to match its vibe and liveliness so he created Urban Riesling. His Mosel wine will be at home in any city and at any table. It has individuality and character and is head and shoulders above many other Rieslings. While retaining the essential elements of this wine variety, Urban Riesling is an award-winning example.
Urban Flavor
The unmissable tree fruit aromas of pear, apple, and plum are on the nose. The palate has hints of smoky flint and slate giving it a deep savory minerality. Sweet tangerine with an edge of tartness blended with grapefruit flavors and finely balanced with sharp lime acidity leave the palate refreshed and invigorated right through to the long, revitalizing finish. These sharp characteristics pair perfectly with spicy Asian cuisine, Mexican, Italian, and virtually any street food you can find in a large city.
Best Value
- 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
A Blend of Old and New
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling is the work of winemaker Dr. Loosen from Germany and Chateau Ste. Michelle from Washington State. So, it is a collaboration between an Old World winemaker and the skills and technology of New World winemakers. By building on this foundation, the creators of this top-rated Riesling have achieved an extraordinary feat in a bottle.
The classic features of a Riesling are there. The pale straw yellow color of the wine in a glass, and the citrusy aromas of lime and mandarins rise to the nose. As always there are subtle mineral notes that are characteristic of Riesling wines. The perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity of the Riesling grapes from Washington State vineyards provide a mouth-wateringly refreshing wine.
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, Chicken Marsala, Grilled Salmon , Spicy Mexican, Caribbean, Carrot Cake, Greek Orange Pie
An Ocean-Fresh Riesling
The winemaking techniques employed by Pacific Rim Winery ensure that this Riesling retains as much freshness and fruitiness as possible, and the natural carbon dioxide retained in it gives a zingy mouthfeel.
Low Alcohol/High Flavor
The result is a good Riesling under $20 with all the typical features that you would expect. It is moderately sweet with distinctive flavors of pineapple and peach. The low alcohol level is an added plus for those who want a tasty wine without the headache. Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling is a perfect match with fiery food from Thailand, China, or the Caribbean.
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
A Classic Rhine Riesling
The entrancing straw color of this top-rated Riesling under $20 is the first thing that you will notice as you pour it into the glass. Then, the floral, white fruit notes arise with a mouthwatering minerality. Your taste buds will confirm that this is a delicious German Riesling with all the classical flavors you have been desiring. Just a couple of months of aging in stainless steel tanks is enough to ensure that this is a refreshing, dry wine. It is perfect for serving on any occasion and pairs very well with a wide range of flavors and cuisines.
Best From Austria
- Name — Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling Kamptal
- Winery — Schloss Gobelsburg
- Country/Region — Austria, Weinland, Niederösterreich, Kamptal
- Type — Austrian Riesling
- Aroma — Citrus, Honey, Stone, Vegetal Notes Of Straw, Grass, Asparagus
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Apple, Stone, Citrus, Floral, Hay, And Mineral Notes
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Pork, Chicken, Light-cured Meats, Shellfish, Spicy Cuisines
A Reverent Riesling From a Monastic Estate
Your search for top Riesling wines under $20 can stop here at the Schloss Gobelsburg product. Wines have been produced here since around 1171, so with such a long time of perfecting the art of winemaking, it is no surprise that this is a great one! Situated on a Cistercian monastic estate, Schloss Gobelsburg’s vineyards are found on terraces on the banks of the river Kamp and the wines reflect the Riesling characteristics perfectly. The aromas and flavors are sleek and powerful on the palate with a distinctive bouquet of peach and apple. No particular aroma or flavor is overpowering thus making this Riesling the perfect companion for food.
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
It’s Time to Get With the Riesling Revival
Since 2005, dry Rieslings have risen from the ashes and their popularity has steadily increased. This is considered the best Riesling wine under $20 because it delivers a bountiful bouquet of juicy aromas. You will get peach, citrus fruit, pineapple, and the sweet floral notes of honeysuckle on the nose. This prepares your palate to receive the fresh acidity of green apple, melon, lychee, and nectar. It is like summer in a bottle and will bring joy whether sampled alone on a sunny day or with friends. It pairs beautifully with light summer foods like grilled meat, salads, and fresh desserts.
Best From Australia
- Name — Jim Barry Watervale Riesling
- Winery — Jim Barry Watervale
- Country/Region — Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley
- Type — Australian Riesling
- Aroma — Grapefruit, Almond, Citrus, Honey, Mineral Notes
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Apple, Peach, Plum, Tropical Fruit, Grass, Gooseberries
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Spicy Appetizers, Barbequed Pork, Prawn Gyoza, Grilled Fish
A Delicious Riesling from the Land of Oz
There is not a lot that the Australian vintners can be taught about winemaking, and this outstanding Riesling from the Clare Valley is everything your heart could desire in a wine. The vineyards of this region produce outstanding wines, and this Watervale Riesling is no exception.
Jim Barry’s Watervale Riesling is musky and earthy with the clear-cut acidity delivered by juicy limes. It is the perfect marriage of classical Riesling flavors and aromas, and it takes the classical Riesling characteristics to a new level of deliciousness.
Best From France
- Name — Trimbach Riesling Alsace
- Winery — Trimbach
- Country/Region — France, Alsace
- Type — French Riesling
- Aroma — Lime, Pear, Apple, Peach, Lemon, Mineral Notes
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Lemon, Lime, Peach, Apple, Honey, Minerals, Tropical Fruits, Yeast
- Alcohol Content — 12.5%
- Sugar — Semi-Dry
- Pairing — Sushi, Spicy Dishes, Swiss Fondue, Thai Food
Authentic, Classy French Style in a Bottle
This top French Riesling has a beautiful straw yellow appearance with green highlights in the glass. It has a delicate bouquet that leads to a balanced, dry palate. The fruitiness shines through with a unique richness and crisp acidity.
This is a Riesling that can be enjoyed at any time and on any occasion. You will find that it pairs wonderfully with traditional Alsace specialties, seafood, sushi/sashimi, white meats in white wine sauces or spices, and a wide range of spicy or Asian dishes.
Best From Chile
- Name — Casas del Bosque Riesling Late Harvest
- Winery — Casas Del Bosque
- Country/Region — Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
- Type — Chilean Riesling
- Aroma — Tangerine, Apricot, Honey, Citrus
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Walnut, Almond, Honey, Pomelo, Mango
- Alcohol Content — 8.9%
- Sugar — Sweet
- Pairing — Cheesecake, White Chocolate Mousse, Grilled Shrimps
Chilean Riesling That Delivers Something Special
This Chilean example of a Riesling wine is made from grapes that have been harvested as late as possible to ensure very high concentrations of residual sugar. The late harvest also enables the grapes to become infected with botrytis (a type of fungus – also known as noble rot). This wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels for up to twelve months to round off the perfect flavors.
Rich, Creamy, and Unusual
The resulting flavors are rich and creamy. The nose has a bouquet of mandarin, crème brûlée, and peach notes, while the palate is robust with notes of walnut, toasted almond, and honey. Combined with plenty of tree fruit flavors like apricot and quince, it is bright and refreshing with a long, structured finish.
Best From Italy
- Name — Cantina La-Vis Riesling
- Winery — Cantina La-Vis
- Country/Region — Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Trentino
- Type — Italian Riesling
- Aroma — Tropical Fruit, Apple, Citrus Notes, Gooseberry, Lilac, Honey
- Grapes — Riesling
- Taste — Pineapple, Mango, Apple, Peach, Apricot, Floral Notes
- Alcohol Content — 12%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Tomato-Based Pasta, Grilled White Fish, Cured Meats, Mature Cheeses
Gioia Della Vita!
La Vis Riesling originates from the famous Trentino region of Italy where Rhine Riesling grapes have been cultivated for decades. The vineyards are bathed in warm sunshine which creates authentic aromas. The wine’s appearance in the glass has the typical straw-yellow hue with tinges of green. A delicate perfume of candied fruit soon rises to the nose. The palate delights with savory, fruity, acidic flavors in perfect harmony. With just a short period of aging in the bottle, this Riesling develops a unique personality.
Conclusion
If,What is the best Riesling under $20? These are the ten best Riesling wines that our research has uncovered for us. Forget everything that you thought you knew about Riesling, as well as the criticism that it received back in the day. Riesling is the “Now” wine, and only those with unsophisticated palates would say anything different. But, you be the judge of this selection, and I feel confident that you will agree wholeheartedly with our verdict!
