Have you ever stood in the wine aisle, staring at a wall of bottles, and felt completely lost when it comes to choosing a Riesling? You’re not alone! Riesling is a fantastic grape that can be sweet, dry, light, or bold, and figuring out which one to pick can feel like a puzzle. Total Wine, with its huge selection, can make that puzzle even bigger!
Many people want to enjoy a delicious glass of Riesling but get overwhelmed by the choices. Maybe you’ve picked one before that was too sweet or not sweet enough, and you don’t want to waste your money on another disappointment. This can make you feel unsure about trying a new Riesling.
But what if picking the perfect Riesling at Total Wine could be easy? This post is going to be your friendly guide. We’ll break down what makes Riesling so special and give you tips to find the one that will make your taste buds sing. Get ready to discover your new favorite Riesling without the stress!
Our Top 5 Riesling Total Wine Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Barefoot Riesling | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling White Wine | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Dry Riesling | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Riesling Total Wine Detailed Reviews
1. Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling
Rating: 8.7/10
Bring the elegance of Chateau Ste. Michelle right to your table with their Columbia Valley Riesling. This 750 ml bottle offers a delightful taste of their renowned winemaking, perfect for any occasion.
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What We Like:
- Bright and refreshing flavors of peach, apple, mango, and lemon-lime dance on your palate.
- The moderate body and medium dryness make it super easy to drink.
- It’s wonderfully versatile, pairing perfectly with everything from grilled fish and mussels to spicy chicken dishes.
- Sourced from Washington State’s esteemed Columbia Valley, it truly captures the spirit of the region.
- The 2020 vintage earned a fantastic 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, proving its quality.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The vintage may vary, so you might not always get the exact award-winning year.
This Riesling is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a delicious and adaptable white wine. It’s a great way to enjoy a touch of luxury at home.
2. Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling
Rating: 9.3/10
Bring the elegance of Chateau Ste. Michelle to your home with this 750 mL bottle of Harvest Select Riesling. This delightful white wine offers a taste of Washington’s renowned Columbia Valley, perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a sophisticated wine experience without leaving your house.
What We Like:
- The rich, ripe peach flavor is truly refreshing.
- It has lovely notes of apricot, mango, and floral hints that make it interesting.
- This wine is a fantastic match for lightly spiced dishes, fruity desserts, and soft cheeses.
- Its low alcohol content (10.5% ABV) makes it a great choice for sipping throughout the day or evening.
- Being a Washington white wine, it represents quality from the Columbia Valley.
- Serving it chilled adds an extra layer of delicious refreshment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vintage may vary, which could be a surprise if you’re looking for a specific year.
This Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling is a versatile and enjoyable wine. It’s a great option for those who appreciate a slightly sweeter, fruit-forward white wine.
3. Barefoot Riesling
Rating: 8.5/10
This Barefoot Riesling, White Wine, 750 mL Bottle offers a delightful taste experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bright and refreshing profile makes it a favorite for casual gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
What We Like:
- The tropical and juicy flavors are incredibly inviting.
- You can smell the peach and jasmine aromas even before you taste it.
- The juicy nectarine and pear flavors are wonderfully balanced.
- The sweet citrus and honey finish leaves a pleasant, lingering taste.
- It’s zesty and lively, making it a fun wine to drink.
- The 750 mL bottle size is standard and good for sharing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vintage may vary, which could lead to slight differences in taste from bottle to bottle.
Barefoot Riesling is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a flavorful and accessible white wine. Its approachable sweetness and vibrant fruit notes make it a crowd-pleaser.
4. Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling White Wine
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a taste of sunshine with Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling White Wine! This delightful 750mL bottle hails from the sunny Columbia River Valley in Washington State, USA. It’s a sweet white wine that offers a burst of fruity flavors, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. If you enjoy wines with a touch of sweetness and vibrant fruit notes, this Riesling is definitely worth exploring.
What We Like:
- This wine is wonderfully sweet, with delicious flavors of pineapple and peach.
- It’s very fresh and fruity, making it a joy to drink.
- The wine pairs perfectly with spicy and flavorful foods like Thai, Chinese, and Mexican dishes.
- It’s made in the Columbia River Valley, a well-known wine-producing region.
- The fermentation process results in about 7% residual sugar, giving it that lovely sweetness.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vintage may vary, so you might get a different year each time you buy it.
Overall, Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling is a fantastic, approachable wine for those who love a touch of sweetness and bright fruit. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of Washington State to your table.
5. Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Dry Riesling
Rating: 8.5/10
Bring the elegance of Chateau Ste. Michelle right to your table with this 750 mL bottle of Columbia Valley Dry Riesling. This white wine offers a delightful taste of the chateau’s renowned quality, perfect for any moment you want to add a touch of sophistication. With a 13% ABV, it’s a wine that’s both approachable and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It’s a dry Riesling, which is great for people who don’t like sweet wines.
- The wine has lovely citrus smells and tastes, like sweet oranges and lemons.
- It’s a very versatile wine that goes well with many different foods. Think crab, scallops, mild cheeses, and even spicy Asian or Indian dishes!
- It received a high score of 90 points and was called a “Best Buy” by Wine Enthusiast in October 2022.
- The crisp acidity and elegant finish make it refreshing to drink.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description could mention if it’s suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets, as many consumers look for this information.
- While it’s described as “dry,” some people might still find it a little sweeter than other dry wines, so a slight comparison to other dry whites could be helpful.
This Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling is a fantastic choice for those seeking a flavorful and food-friendly white wine. Its bright citrus notes and crisp finish make it a delightful companion to a wide range of meals.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Riesling at Total Wine
Riesling is a fantastic white wine. It’s loved for its bright flavors and versatility. Whether you like sweet or dry, there’s a Riesling for you. Total Wine & More has a huge selection. This guide will help you pick a great bottle.
What to Look For in a Riesling
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a Riesling bottle, pay attention to a few things. These help you know what kind of wine is inside.
- Sweetness Level: Rieslings can be dry, off-dry, or very sweet. The label might say “Dry,” “Kabinett,” “Spätlese,” “Auslese,” “Beerenauslese,” or “Trockenbeerenauslese.” In general, the later the harvest term (like Auslese or Beerenauslese), the sweeter the wine.
- Acidity: Good Riesling has lively acidity. This makes the wine taste refreshing. It cuts through richness and balances sweetness.
- Aromas and Flavors: Rieslings often have fruity smells. You might notice apple, peach, apricot, or citrus like lemon and lime. Some also have floral notes or a hint of minerality.
- Origin: Germany is famous for Riesling. Alsace in France also makes excellent versions. Other places like Austria, Australia, and the US also produce good Riesling.
Important Materials (Grape & Region)
The main “material” for Riesling is the Riesling grape itself. This grape is grown in many places. The best known regions include:
- Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz (Germany): These regions are known for beautiful, often lighter-bodied, and sometimes sweeter Rieslings with bright acidity.
- Alsace (France): Alsatian Rieslings are typically drier and fuller-bodied than German ones. They often have spicy notes.
- Clare Valley and Eden Valley (Australia): These areas make classic Australian Rieslings. They are known for their intense citrus flavors and ability to age for a long time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a Riesling great or just okay.
- Grape Growing Conditions: The weather and soil where the grapes grow are super important. Cool climates often produce Riesling with more acidity and delicate flavors.
- Winemaking Style: How the winemaker handles the grapes matters a lot. Some prefer to capture the fruitiness, while others aim for a more complex style that can age well.
- Age: Many Rieslings taste great when young and fresh. But some, especially those from good regions, can age for many years. They develop complex honey and petrol notes.
- Over-ripeness or Botrytis: Sometimes, grapes get too ripe or are affected by “noble rot” (Botrytis cinerea). This concentrates sugars and flavors, leading to very sweet and complex wines like Auslese or Beerenauslese. This is a quality enhancer for sweet styles.
User Experience and Use Cases
User Experience and Use Cases
Riesling is a wine for many occasions. It’s very food-friendly.
- As an Appetizer: A slightly sweet Riesling is perfect before a meal. It wakes up your taste buds.
- With Spicy Food: This is where Riesling shines! Its sweetness and acidity balance the heat of dishes like Thai curry or Szechuan stir-fry.
- With Pork and Poultry: Riesling pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even richer dishes like duck.
- With Seafood: Dry Rieslings are great with fish. Off-dry versions can handle slightly richer seafood or even shellfish.
- With Cheese: Riesling can be a fantastic partner for a cheese board, especially with creamy or slightly pungent cheeses.
- For Dessert: Very sweet Rieslings, like Beerenauslese, are delicious with fruit-based desserts or even on their own.
When you shop at Total Wine, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Their staff can guide you to a Riesling that fits your taste and budget. Look for bottles from Germany, Alsace, or Australia. Check the sweetness level. You’ll find a Riesling you love!
Riesling FAQs at Total Wine
Q: What’s the difference between German and Alsatian Riesling?
A: German Rieslings are often lighter and can range from dry to very sweet. Alsatian Rieslings are usually drier, fuller-bodied, and may have spicy notes.
Q: Can I find dry Riesling at Total Wine?
A: Yes! Look for labels that say “Trocken” (German for dry) or check the descriptions for dry styles from Alsace or other regions.
Q: Is Riesling always sweet?
A: No, Riesling can be made in many styles, from bone dry to intensely sweet. It depends on when the grapes are picked and how the winemaker decides to make the wine.
Q: How should I store an unopened bottle of Riesling?
A: Store unopened bottles on their side in a cool, dark place. This keeps the cork moist and prevents air from getting in.
Q: How long can I keep an opened bottle of Riesling?
A: An opened bottle of Riesling will typically last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Use a wine stopper to keep air out.
Q: What does “off-dry” mean for Riesling?
A: “Off-dry” means the wine has a little bit of sweetness, but not so much that it’s cloying. It’s a nice balance for many people.
Q: Can Riesling age well?
A: Yes, many high-quality Rieslings, especially those from Germany and Alsace, can age for decades. They develop complex flavors over time.
Q: What’s the best way to serve Riesling?
A: Serve Riesling chilled. For dry styles, around 45-50°F (7-10°C) is good. For sweeter styles, slightly cooler, around 40-45°F (4-7°C), is ideal.
Q: What food should I avoid with Riesling?
A: While Riesling is very versatile, very intensely bitter foods might not be the best match. However, it pairs well with a wide range of cuisines.
Q: How do I know if a Riesling is good quality?
A: Look for good acidity, balanced sweetness (if any), and clear fruit aromas. Wines from renowned regions and producers are often a good sign of quality.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.