Today, March 13, 2025, wine enthusiasts across the world will raise their glasses to celebrate one of the most timeless and versatile grape varieties: Riesling. International Riesling Day is not just a celebration of this noble grape but an acknowledgment of its historical legacy, its diverse expressions, and its ability to transcend geographical borders, captivating wine lovers and connoisseurs from every corner of the globe.

Riesling, which was first mentioned in a written document on this date in 1435, has woven itself into the tapestry of the world’s most celebrated wines. From its origins in Germany’s Rhine region to its current growth in unexpected terroirs such as the southern reaches of Argentina as well as the wider South America, Riesling’s journey is as captivating as the wine itself. But what makes Riesling so special? What is it about this aromatic white grape that continues to enchant and intrigue? On this International Riesling Day, we embark on a journey to revisit the rich history, captivating flavours, and cultural significance of Riesling, and why it remains a favourite for wine lovers across the world.

The story of Riesling’s rise in Germany is well-documented, and it quickly became one of the country’s most cherished varieties, praised for its ability to express the nuances of its terroir with unmatched clarity. Over the centuries, Riesling spread beyond its Germanic origins to become a global favourite. Its journey saw it flourish in the cool-climate regions of Alsace in France, where it became the flagship grape of the region, and its expansion continued into Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. But perhaps one of the most surprising chapters in Riesling’s history is its emergence in South America.

While Argentina is traditionally known for its robust Malbecs and distinctive Torrontés, the country’s cooler regions have quietly nurtured Riesling, which has begun to carve out its own niche. Argentina’s diverse microclimates, from the cool, high-altitude Uco Valley to the coastal reaches of Patagonia, offer ideal conditions for Riesling’s distinct acidity, floral aromas, and vibrant fruit flavours. In Mendoza, the country’s largest wine-producing region, Riesling vineyards have been steadily growing, with 46.7 hectares dedicated to this grape as of 2023. Riesling thrives in the cooler climates of the Uco Valley, where the large diurnal temperature variations, hot days and cold nights, allow the grape to develop its characteristic acidity and aromatic complexity. The result is wines that mirror the finesse of their European counterparts, offering vibrant citrus notes, minerality, and a balance of floral and fruit characteristics.

Patagonia, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, provides another exciting terroir for Riesling. Here, the cooler coastal climate produces wines with pronounced floral aromas, ripe stone fruit flavours, and a refreshing acidity that lingers on the palate. It’s clear that Argentina’s commitment to exploring new terroirs and embracing non-traditional varieties has allowed Riesling to thrive in unexpected corners of the wine world. While Argentina’s rise as a Riesling producer is certainly noteworthy, the grape has been at the centre of wine production for centuries. In fact, South America, often associated with bold reds and distinctive whites like Torrontés, is another exciting frontier for Riesling.

Chile’s wine industry, with its diverse geography and microclimates, has embraced Riesling’s potential. In Brazil, where sparkling wines often steal the spotlight, Riesling has quietly been gaining recognition for its ability to produce fresh, elegant wines. And in Uruguay, a country that is making a name for itself with Tannat, Riesling is emerging as an exciting contender, particularly in the coastal region of Canelones, where the cool, maritime climate supports its natural acidity and aromatic richness. Bolivia, a rising star in South American viticulture, cultivates Riesling in its high-altitude vineyards, where the intense sunlight and cool mountain nights contribute to the grape’s vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity.

Thursday Food introduces five labels from South America — one each from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay — that have created quite a stir amongst vinophiles the world over, this past year:

Casa Valduga Terroir Exclusivo Riesling Renano by Casa Valduga Winery of Serra Gaucha, Brazil is a 100 per cent Rhenish Riesling with a straw yellow colour that is both clear and bright. Fine and delicate, it has aromas reminiscent of fruits such as physalis and guava, as well as white-fleshed fruit jelly such as apple and pear. Hints of fine herbs and teas, such as marjoram, complement the bouquet. It shows all its class and elegance with an acidic sensation in the mouth that is well blended with the structural elements, characterised by lightness, vivacity and smoothness.

Campos de Solana Riesling by Bodega Campos de Solana is made from 100 per cent Riesling grapes grown in the Valle de Santa Ana, located just outside of the Bolivia’s Tarija Valley, where the winery is located and widely considered the main wine producing region of the country. This wine is greenish yellow, exhibiting tropical, citrus and floral aromatic notes, on the nose. On the palate, this Riesling is fresh and fruity, with marked acidity.

Casa Marin Cartagena Riesling is a 100 per cent varietal produced by Viña Casa Marin in the Cartagena area of Chile, from vineyards located in the San Antonio Valley wine region. This Riesling is a semi-dry, fun wine with notes of green chamomile, clementines, peach, jams and honey cream on the nose. It has a silky palate with great volume and refreshing acidity, which leaves the mouth salivating.

Bouza Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Loaf) Riesling by Bodega Bouza of Chile, is a 100 per cent Riesling made with grapes from the Pan de Azúcar vineyard in Maldonado, Uruguay. Pale yellow in colour, the wine expresses aromas of fruits, pears and white plums, with petroleum notes. On the palate it shows balanced acidity, in addition to being round and with good volume, ending in a long finish.

Amalaya Brut Nature, comprising 80 per cent Riesling and 20 per cent Torrontés, is an Espumante made by Bodega Amalaya in Valle de Cafayate, Salta, Argentina. This sparkling wine is a bright golden colour, having fine bubbles aligned with a persistent crown. On the nose, it expresses a fresh sensation, provided by the Torrontés, accompanied

by notes of fresh fruits such as green apple and pineapple provided by the Riesling. In the mouth, it has a dynamic and very mineral start, with a medium volume preserving the freshness. It also has a fresh and elegant persistence while towards the end, its subtle acidity can be perceived.

Riesling is a grape that stands out not just for its aromatic profile but for its versatility. Moreover, it is one of the few varietals that can produce exceptional sweet wines, particularly when affected by “noble rot” or Botrytis cinerea. As we raise our glasses this March 13, International Riesling Day reminds us of the grape’s enduring legacy and the exciting new chapters being written across the globe. From its origins in Germany to its emerging presence in Argentina and South America, Riesling continues to captivate wine lovers with its elegance, aromatic complexity, all the while delighting us with new expressions of this timeless classic. Salud!