Grape Variety
Italico-Riesling
"reez-ling ee-tah-lee-koh"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Italico-Riesling
Origin
Central Europe
History
Despite its name, Riesling Italico, also known as Welschriesling, is not related to the German Riesling (Riesling Renano). The exact origin of Riesling Italico is uncertain, with theories suggesting it may have originated in France, Italy, or the Balkans. It is widely cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe, including countries like Italy (particularly in regions such as Trentino, Collio, and Friuli), Austria, Hungary (where it is known as Olaszrizling), Croatia (as Graševina), and Romania (as Riesling Italian). The grape is valued for its versatility and ability to produce a range of wine styles, from dry to sweet, including late-harvest and botrytized wines.
Appearance
Medium-sized, compact clusters of greenish-yellow berries.
Growing Traits
Riesling Italico is a late-ripening variety that thrives in a range of climates, particularly in cooler regions. It is known for its adaptability to various soil types and its resistance to certain diseases, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot. The grape's high acidity makes it suitable for producing fresh, crisp wines, as well as sweet wines when harvested late.
Wine Characteristics
Body
2/5
Sweetness
2/5
Tannin
0/5
Acidity
4/5
Alcohol
2/5
Light to medium-bodied with a crisp and refreshing profile, offering a balance between fruitiness and acidity. Typically dry, though off-dry and late-harvest styles are also produced, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Negligible tannins, as it is a white wine variety, resulting in a smooth and clean finish. High acidity, contributing to its freshness and enhancing its aging potential. Moderate alcohol content, generally ranging between 11% and 13%, providing a balanced and approachable character.
Taste Profile
Green Apple
Citrus
White Peach
Floral
Mineral
Riesling Italico wines are characterized by fresh and vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus fruits, and white peach, often accompanied by subtle floral notes. On the palate, they exhibit high acidity and a crisp minerality, with flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The finish is typically clean and refreshing, making these wines particularly enjoyable when consumed young.
Food Pairing
Riesling Italico's high acidity and fresh fruit flavors make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, such as grilled fish or shellfish, and complements light salads and appetizers. The wine's crispness also makes it suitable for pairing with spicy Asian cuisine, as it can balance the heat and enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, sweeter styles of Riesling Italico can be enjoyed with desserts like fruit tarts or soft cheeses.
Growing Regions
Italy
TrentinoCollioFriuli
Austria
BurgenlandStyria
Hungary
Lake BalatonCsopak
Croatia
SlavoniaDanube
Romania
TransylvaniaBanat
Notable Wines & Producers
Graševina Kutjevo
Kutjevo d.d.
Olaszrizling Csopak
Jásdi Pince
Welschriesling Steirische Klassik
Weingut Tement
Italico-Riesling FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Italico-Riesling?
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Central Europe
Is Italico-Riesling wine full bodied?
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Italico-Riesling has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Italico-Riesling is Moderate to Light bodied.
Is Italico-Riesling wine dry or sweet?
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Italico-Riesling has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Italico-Riesling is Semi-Dry.
Where is Italico-Riesling wine from?
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Central Europe
Where is Italico-Riesling grown?
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Italico-Riesling is grown in Italy (Trentino, Collio, Friuli)Austria (Burgenland, Styria)Hungary (Lake Balaton, Csopak)Croatia (Slavonia, Danube)Romania (Transylvania, Banat).
What is Italico-Riesling like?
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Riesling Italico wines are characterized by fresh and vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus fruits, and white peach, often accompanied by subtle floral notes. On the palate, they exhibit high acidity and a crisp minerality, with flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The finish is typically clean and refreshing, making these wines particularly enjoyable when consumed young.
What does Italico-Riesling pair with?
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Riesling Italico's high acidity and fresh fruit flavors make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with seafood, such as grilled fish or shellfish, and complements light salads and appetizers. The wine's crispness also makes it suitable for pairing with spicy Asian cuisine, as it can balance the heat and enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, sweeter styles of Riesling Italico can be enjoyed with desserts like fruit tarts or soft cheeses.
What does Italico-Riesling taste like?
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Riesling Italico wines are characterized by fresh and vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus fruits, and white peach, often accompanied by subtle floral notes. On the palate, they exhibit high acidity and a crisp minerality, with flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The finish is typically clean and refreshing, making these wines particularly enjoyable when consumed young.
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