Tasting: Riesling Wegmans
🍇 Riesling: The Varietal
Riesling is one of Germany’s most iconic white grape varietals. Known for its expressive aromatics, Riesling can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Classic flavor markers include green apple, pear, apricot, peach, melon, citrus, and floral tones, often supported by high acidity.
German Rieslings (particularly from Mosel, Nahe, and Rheingau) often carry bright minerality and a refreshing balance of fruit and acidity.
Compared to Rieslings from Alsace (more dry, spicy), Austria (racy, mineral), or the U.S. (fruit-forward, sometimes off-dry), German Rieslings usually balance delicate fruit with vibrant acidity and terroir-driven minerality.
For this tasting, Lynn and Scott sampled four German Rieslings from Wegmans, all around $10–$12, vintages 2023, blind-tasted side by side.
🍷 The Wines Tasted
Wine A (1) – Emma Reichardt Dry Riesling (Nahe, Germany, 2023)
Price: $9.99
Region: Nahe, Germany 🇩🇪
Style: Very dry Riesling
Tasting Notes: Crisp and refreshing with pear, green apple, melon, tart citrus, and green grape notes. High acidity gave it a Sauvignon Blanc-like character 🍏🍐.
Scores: Lynn 15, Scott 17 → Total 32
Buy Again:
Lynn ✅ yes – would bring to a neighborhood party
Scott ✅ yes – also party-worthy
Comments: Tartness and acidity made it stand out. Both tasters appreciated its Sauvignon Blanc resemblance.
Wine B (2) – Clean Slate Riesling (Mosel, Germany, 2023)
Price: $11.99
Region: Mosel, Germany 🇩🇪
Style: Dry Riesling
Tasting Notes: Softer aroma with peach, green melon, Granny Smith apple. Smooth entry with a citrus-tinged finish 🍑🍏🍋.
Scores: Lynn 14, Scott 16 → Total 30
Buy Again:
Lynn ✅ yes – would bring to a party
Scott ✅ yes – also good for gatherings
Comments: Balanced, approachable, and refreshing. A clear second-place finisher.
Wine C (3) – Moselland Ars Vitis Riesling (Mosel, Germany, 2023)
Price: $11.99
Region: Mosel, Germany 🇩🇪
Style: Sweeter Riesling
Tasting Notes: Slightly darker in color. Aromas of pear, grassy notes, and floral tones 🌼🍐. Noticeably sweeter on the palate, with a finish leaning toward Moscato.
Scores: Lynn 10, Scott 13 → Total 23
Buy Again:
Lynn ✅ but only for at-home drinking (not party-worthy)
Scott ✅ but preferred others more
Comments: Acceptable, but not as refined. Too sweet compared to the others.
Wine D (4) – Relax Riesling (Mosel, Germany, 2023)
Price: $10.98
Region: Mosel, Germany 🇩🇪
Style: Medium-sweet Riesling
Tasting Notes: Aromas of peach, melon, and kiwi 🍑🍈🥝. Noticeably sweeter with a long, lingering finish.
Scores: Lynn 14, Scott 15 → Total 29
Buy Again:
Lynn ✅ yes – liked the finish, would bring to a party
Scott ✅ yes – enjoyable, but behind the dry styles
Comments: Sweetness was balanced by the long finish. Would shine chilled on a hot summer day. ☀️❄️
🏆 The Winning Wine
Wine A (Emma Reichardt Dry Riesling, Nahe 2023, $9.99) emerged as the tasting winner with 32 points.
✨ Why it won:
Bright acidity and dryness that mimicked a Sauvignon Blanc – highly appealing to both tasters.
Balanced tart fruit (apple, pear, grape) with crisp minerality.
Both Lynn and Scott agreed it would be their top pick to share at social gatherings.
