Everything About Italico-Riesling Grape
"reez-ling ee-tah-lee-koh" 
Italico-Riesling Description
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.
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.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
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.
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.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/italy.png)
Italy
•Trentino
•Collio
•Friuli
![[object Object] Region](/regions/austria.png)
Austria
•Burgenland
•Styria
![[object Object] Region](/regions/hungary.png)
Hungary
•Lake Balaton
•Csopak
![[object Object] Region](/regions/croatia.png)
Croatia
•Slavonia
•Danube
![[object Object] Region](/regions/romania.png)
Romania
•Transylvania
•Banat
Notable Wines and Producers
Graševina Kutjevo
•Kutjevo d.d.
Olaszrizling Csopak
•Jásdi Pince
Welschriesling Steirische Klassik
•Weingut Tement
Italico-Riesling FAQ
Central Europe
Italico-Riesling has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Italico-Riesling is Moderate to Light bodied.
Italico-Riesling has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Italico-Riesling is Semi-Dry.
Central Europe
Italico-Riesling is grown in Italy (Trentino, Collio, Friuli)Austria (Burgenland, Styria)Hungary (Lake Balaton, Csopak)Croatia (Slavonia, Danube)Romania (Transylvania, Banat).
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.
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.
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.