Wset Level 2 - Riesling

Front 1

What are the typical flavors of Riesling?

Back 1

aromatic; fruity and floral rather than herbaceous like Sauvignon Blanc

Front 2

What are typical flavors of Riesling wines from cool climates?

Back 2

green fruit flavors (green apple, grape) with floral notes and sometimes a hint of citrus (lemon, lime)

Front 3

What are typical flavors of Riesling wines from moderate climates?

Back 3

citrus and stone fruit notes become dominant and some wines can smell very strongly of fresh lime or white peach

Front 4

What makes a region suitable for late-harvesting Riesling?

Back 4

stable, dry, sunny Autumn conditions

Front 5

What are the typical flavor of late-harvest Riesling?

Back 5

stone fruit and tropical fruit notes (peach, apricot, pineapple, mango); can be dry, medium or sweet in style

Front 6

Riesling is very susceptible to noble rot, which does what?

Back 6

noble rot concentrates sugars and acidity, which can make lusciously sweet wines

Front 7

Are Riesling wines suitable for aging?

Back 7

Yes, high acidity levels and intense fruit help many Riesling wines age in the bottle, where they develop flavors of honey and toast

Front 8

What is the classification for basic German Riesling, and what is the typical style?

Back 8

Qualitatswein (QbA);
light-bodied, fruity and refreshing, with medium sweetness

Front 9

What is the second general classification for German Riesling wines, and what do its 6 sub-categories signify?

Back 9

Pradikatswein; sugar levels in the grapes

Front 10

What are the 6 sub-categories of Pradikatswein?

Back 10

1. Kabinett 2. Spatlese 3. Auslese
4. Beerenauslese 5. Trockenbeerenauslese
6. Eiswein

Front 11

What are the typical flavors of Kabinett Rieslings?

Back 11

light in body, with high acidity and green fruit notes (apple, grape):
They usually have medium sweetness and light alcohol, although though they can be dry with medium alcohol.

Front 12

What are the typical flavors of Spatlese Rieslings?

Back 12

Spatlese are late harvest, have a bit more body and citrus and exotic fruit notes (lemon, pineapple).

Front 13

What are the typical flavors of Auslese Rieslings?

Back 13

Auslese have even more body and exotic fruit notes (pineapple, mango);
This is the highest category to appear as a dry wine, though most Riesling Auslese wines are medium or sweet.

Front 14

What are Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese Rieslings?

Back 14

These Rieslings are sweet wines made from noble rot affected grapes.

Front 15

What is Eiswein?

Back 15

a sweet wine made from frozen grapes

Front 16

What are three German regions for premium Riesling?

Back 16

Mosel, Rheingau and Pfalz

Front 17

What is the premium Riesling region in France? What is the typical style?

Back 17

Alsace; dry, medium-bodied Rieslings with green, citrus and stone fruit notes.
Fuller-bodied, late harvest wines are also made there, with more intense flavors and sometimes a hint of sweetness.

Front 18

What is the third region in Europe (aside from Germany and France) for premium Riesling? What is the typical style?

Back 18

Austria;
dry, medium and full-bodied, citrus and stone fruit flavors and medium or high acidity

Front 19

What is the premium Riesling region in Australia? What is the typical style?

Back 19

Clare Valley and Eden Valley, South Australia;
dry, medium-bodied, with high acidity and pronounced citrus fruit notes (lime, lemon)

Front 20

What is the premium Riesling region in New Zealand? What is the typical style?

Back 20

mainly in the South Island;
dry with high acidity and intense green fruit and citrus flavors (apple, grape, lime

Front 21

Riesling in blends?

Back 21

premium quality Riesling is almost never blended;
in Australia sometimes blended with aromatic Gewurztraminer to make fruity, off-dry whites