Riesling Taste Profile

With Riesling sales on the rise and an inherent interest in the grape itself, I recently attended an Old World vs. New World Riesling tasting. One of the topics that came up that I found truly interesting on several fronts was the International Riesling Foundation's discussion of a "Riesling Taste Profile" label addition. Basically any Riesling producer from any country can download this free label chart, customize it for their specific wines and add it to their bottles in an effort to streamline the often complicated, Riesling communication process with the consumer. This taste profile attempts to take much of the guesswork out of what style of Riesling resides in the bottle you, the valued consumer, are considering for purchase.

While many mistakingly peg Riesling as the poster child for a "sweet-styled" wine, it is often made in bone dry variations, lean or lusher bodied, and may weigh in at 8% to 14% alcohol by volume. There is plenty of diversity and versatility in this single grape varietal, even before you factor in key differences in regional techniques, label designations and producer preferences. So, the Riesling Taste Profile label addition that has already been added to over a million cases of Riesling worldwide, according to Drink Riesling, seems like a good move on the part of Riesling advocates, an easy, consumer-friendly addition that Riesling producers should seriously take into consideration. What's your take? Would a tasting spectrum ranging from dry to sweet with the wine's style clearly marked influence your purchasing power? Have your say on the Riesling Taste Profile here.