There’s something magical about Riesling. It’s like that one friend in your life who can hang out with anyone and instantly vibe with the crowd. Riesling is typically characterized by its bright acidity and fruity notes, ranging from green apple and peach to more floral hints like jasmine. Riesling can be bone-dry or lusciously sweet depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. Its versatility makes it one of the most food-friendly wines out there. That’s why I’m excited to share some of my favorite foods to pair with Riesling. I’ll also throw in a few tips I’ve picked up over the years on how to make the most of your pairings, so you can uncork a bottle with confidence.
Why Riesling is a Food Pairing Superstar
Before we dive into the dishes, let’s talk about what makes Riesling so special when it comes to food pairing:
Acidity is King: Riesling’s high acidity acts like a squeeze of lemon on your food, cutting through richness and enhancing flavors.
Sweetness Loves Spice: Off-dry and sweeter Rieslings can tame the heat of spicy dishes, balancing their intensity.
Aromatic Complexity: Rieslings often boast aromas of citrus, stone fruits, florals, and even petrol (in the best way possible). These flavors work beautifully with a variety of cuisines.
Light Body, Big Range: Riesling’s light to medium body means it won’t overwhelm delicate dishes but can still hold its own against bolder flavors.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s get to the real reason you’re here—foods to pair with Riesling.
Spicy Thai Green Curry
Thai green curry is a flavor bomb loaded with coconut milk, lime leaves, and chili. Pair it with an off-dry Riesling to balance the spice and enhance the creamy richness of the dish. The wine’s fruity notes of lime, peach, and green apple bring out the herbal flavors in the curry without clashing.
Pork Belly with Crispy Skin
The richness of pork belly demands a wine that can cut through the fat, and Riesling does just that. A dry Riesling with bright acidity will cleanse your palate between bites, while its fruity and mineral notes elevate the savory flavors of the pork.
Sushi and Sashimi
Riesling loves the clean, delicate flavors of sushi. A dry Riesling pairs wonderfully with the umami of fresh fish and the salty-sweet tang of soy sauce. For sushi rolls with a spicy kick, an off-dry Riesling is your best bet. The wine’s crispness keeps the meal feeling light and refreshing.
Spicy Chicken Wings
If you’re hosting a casual night with friends, try pairing spicy chicken wings with a slightly sweet Riesling. The wine’s touch of sweetness balances the heat, while its acidity keeps your palate fresh. Bonus points if the wings are glazed with something tangy, like a honey-sriracha sauce. Spicy chicken wings are among my favorite foods to pair with Riesling.
German Sausages and Sauerkraut
This is a classic pairing that’s as comforting as it gets. A dry or off-dry Riesling complements the savory, smoky flavors of bratwurst or weisswurst, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness. The tangy sauerkraut is a natural match for Riesling’s citrus and green apple notes.
Duck with Orange Sauce
Duck has a lot of natural richness, and when paired with a citrusy orange sauce, it’s practically begging for a glass of Riesling. Go for a medium-dry option to complement the sweetness of the sauce while balancing the richness of the duck.
Roasted Vegetable Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a roasted vegetable salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables pair nicely with the bright acidity of Riesling. I recommend a dry or off-dry Riesling here, which will enhance the freshness of the salad without overwhelming it.
Cheese Plate
A well-curated cheese plate featuring creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese can be a delightful pairing with Riesling. The wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess, while its fruity notes complement the flavors of the cheese. Don’t forget to include some dried fruits or honey for added sweetness!
Indian Butter Chicken
Butter chicken’s creamy, tomato-based gravy is a perfect match for an off-dry Riesling. The wine’s fruity sweetness balances the spices, while its acidity keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. Trust me, this pairing is a crowd-pleaser.
Pad Thai
The sweet, sour, and savory flavors of pad Thai are tailor-made for Riesling. A slightly sweet version works best here, harmonizing with the tamarind, lime, and peanuts. The wine’s bright acidity also keeps the dish from tasting too sweet.
Apple Tarte Tatin
When it come to food to pair with Riesling, it’s ok to think outside the box! Riesling isn’t just a dinner wine—it shines with dessert, too. A late-harvest or sweet Riesling pairs beautifully with apple tarte Tatin. The caramelized apples and buttery crust mirror the wine’s fruity and honeyed notes, creating a match made in heaven.
Vietnamese Pho
The aromatic broth of pho, with its blend of spices like star anise and cinnamon, pairs wonderfully with a dry or off-dry Riesling. The wine enhances the herbal and citrusy notes of the dish, while its acidity balances the richness of the meat.
Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is another fantastic match for Riesling. The fatty richness of the fish complements the wine’s acidity, and if you add a citrus glaze or a mango salsa, it enhances the fruity notes in the wine. A slightly off-dry Riesling works wonders here, providing a refreshing contrast.
Asian Dumplings
Whether they’re steamed, fried, or boiled, dumplings are a delightful pairing with Riesling. The wine’s bright flavors can complement the savory fillings, and if you’re dipping them in a soy-based sauce, the sweetness of the Riesling will balance the saltiness beautifully. I love reaching for a semi-sweet Riesling with dumplings stuffed with pork or vegetables.
Lobster with Garlic Butter
For a touch of luxury, you can’t go wrong with lobster dipped in garlic butter. The richness of the lobster pairs beautifully with a crisp Riesling. A slightly off-dry version can enhance the sweetness of the lobster meat while balancing the richness of the butter.
Fruit Tart
When it comes to dessert, a fruit tart and tarts in general, are great foods to pair with Riesling. The fresh fruits, whether berries or stone fruits, echo the wine’s flavors, while the acidity keeps the dessert from feeling too heavy. A late-harvest Riesling can add an extra layer of sweetness to this pairing.
Spiced Carrot Soup
For something a bit different, consider a spiced carrot soup. The natural sweetness of the carrots, combined with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, pairs beautifully with a Riesling. A dry or off-dry version will elevate the soup without overshadowing its delicate flavors.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Finally, chicken tikka masala is a fantastic pairing with Riesling. The creamy tomato sauce and spices in the dish are balanced by the wine’s sweetness and acidity. A slightly sweet Riesling can enhance the dish’s flavors while providing a refreshing contrast to the spices.
Riesling Pairing Tips
- Match Sweetness Levels: The wine should always be sweeter than the dish, especially when pairing with spicy or sweet foods.
- Use Acidity as a Tool: Riesling’s acidity can cut through fatty, rich, or creamy dishes, making it a perfect companion for pork belly, duck, or creamy curries.
- Play with Aromatics: Riesling’s floral and fruity notes work well with dishes that use fresh herbs, citrus, or spices.
- Experiment Boldly: Don’t be afraid to pair Riesling with unexpected dishes. Its versatility means it can handle a wide range of flavors.
There you have it—more than fifteen dishes that show off Riesling’s incredible range as a food wine. Whether you’re sipping it with spicy Thai curry or indulging in a sweet tarte Tatin, Riesling proves time and time again why it’s a wine worth celebrating. So go ahead, pop open a bottle, and let it transform your next meal into something truly special. Cheers!
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