Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 15 minutes 31 seconds Release Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Riesling for WSET Level 2 - Everything You Need to Know Join the Wine Educate Newsletter

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Episode Description

This episode kicks off a new series on Germany, Alsace, and Austria by starting where it all begins: Riesling. Jancis Robinson calls it the world's most undervalued, often misspelled, and most often mispronounced grape. Joanne breaks down everything you need to know about this versatile variety, from its German origins to its ability to express terroir like few other grapes can.

You'll learn why Riesling's naturally high acidity is its superpower, allowing winemakers to create everything from bone-dry wines to lusciously sweet dessert styles. Joanne also tackles the petrol aroma (yes, that's a thing), explains why cool climates are essential for Riesling, and shares why serious wine collectors are turning to German Riesling as Burgundy prices them out of the market.

This is a straight-up lesson for Level 2 students, but anyone interested in understanding one of the world's greatest white grapes will find this episode valuable.

What You'll Learn in This Episode Riesling Basics

• Origins in Germany dating back to 1435
• Parent grape lineage (Gouais Blanc, related to Chardonnay and Gamay)
• Why Riesling thrives in cool to moderate climates
• The importance of being a late-ripening grape

Key Characteristics

• Naturally high acidity and why it matters
• Why Riesling is classified as an aromatic grape
• The role of old, neutral oak barrels in German winemaking
• Riesling's ability to express terroir

Styles and Winemaking

• Range of sweetness levels from dry to very sweet
• How winemakers create off-dry and medium-sweet styles
• Aging potential (decades, similar to Cabernet Sauvignon)
• Development of tertiary aromas like honey and petrol

Flavor Profiles

• Early harvest: green apple, pear, citrus
• Riper styles: stone fruit, tropical fruit
• Late harvest/botrytis: dried fruit, honey

Key Regions for Level 2 Students

• Germany: Mosel (lighter, ethereal, medium sweetness), Rheingau (drier, fuller bodied), Pfalz (reliably dry, fuller bodied)
• Alsace, France: Dry, full-bodied styles (up to 13.5% alcohol)
• Australia: Eden Valley and Clare Valley (dry, lime, peach blossom, petrol)

Episode Highlights & Quotes

"If a grape is later ripening and if it warms up too soon, it won't have the time to develop their aromas and flavors. So a later ripening grape needs a cooler climate in order to stretch out the ripening to develop these flavors."

"For my wine collectors or budding wine collectors out there, you can get so much more enjoyment and stretch your budget a lot further by investing in German wines than you can say in perhaps Burgundy today. Some of the very top Rieslings are selling for 50, $60 where you could 10x that for Burgundy."

"It is time to look at Riesling in a new light. Unfortunately, in the eighties there was a lot of Liebfraumilch in the market. 60% of German exports were this Liebfraumilch, which is not a very impressive wine, and it's given Riesling a bad name."

Quick Reference: Riesling at a Glance

Climate: Cool to moderate Acidity: Naturally high Oak: Typically none (or old, neutral barrels in Germany) Sweetness range: Dry to very sweet Body: Light to full Aging potential: Decades Signature aromas: Green apple, citrus, stone fruit, petrol (in older wines) Top regions: Germany (Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz), Alsace, Australia (Eden Valley, Clare Valley)

Resources Mentioned

• Jancis Robinson (wine critic and author)
• Von Buhl (German wine importer)
• Peter Lauer wines (Mosel producer)
• Florian Lauer (current winemaker at Peter Lauer)
• Understanding Wines: Explaining Style and Quality (WSET textbook)
• Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter
• Wine Educate website: https://wineeducate.com

Coming Up Next Week

Episode 102: The History of German Wine

Joanne dives into the fascinating history of German wine, exploring how this northern wine region became one of the most important in the world.

Subscribe so you don't miss any episodes in this series.

About Wine Educate

Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. We teach WSET Level 1, 2 & 3 Award in Wines, Level 1, 2 & 3 Award in Spirits, Level 1 & 2 Award in Beer, and Level 1 & 2 Award in Sake, both in-person and online.

Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you'll find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.

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Every week get your Level 1, 2 & 3 WSET tips including multiple choice quizzes and Level 3 essay questions. Stay informed about in-person and online classes as well as trips.

👉 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter

Episode 101 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate