Geography
Germany, France (mainly Alsace), Eastern Europe, Northern Italy and New World.

Viticulture
France's Alsace region—in the rain shadow of the Vosges Mountains, with long, sunny, dry summers—is ideal terroir for Riesling. The slopes of North West Germany, e.g., above the Mosel river, also provide excellent terroir.

Varietal/Blend
Occasionally used in blending, but the vast majority of Riesling is used as a varietal.

Flavour & Character
Can produce powerful wines of excellent quality and elegance. Flavour hints include green apple, lime, apricot and honey.

Vinification
German Riesling is much higher in alcohol as it is fermented until virtually dry. Sometimes, regrettably, a sweet unfermented must is added just before filtration and bottling.

Style
Styles range from light and crisp to headily rich and sweet.

Body, Dry/Sweet
Ranges from delicate, dry, light bodied wines to ''noble rot'' infected dessert wines. Ages beautifully.

Notes
Riesling accounts for approximately 20% of Germany's wine output and produces some of the country's finest wines. Not to be confused with the inferior Laski Rizling.