Riesling Pairings

These bright, citrusy Rieslings are similar to Sauvignon Blanc. They're delicious with foods that have "green" flavors, like the lime, jalapeño and tomatillo in this snapper dish. Their vibrant acidity and minerality can also be terrific with rich dishes flavored with a squeeze of lime, like beef curry.

Wines to Seek Out:
Most Australian Rieslings

Much like white Burgundy, full-bodied Rieslings are great with earthy flavors and perfect with luscious sauces like the ones in the dishes here.

Wines to Seek Out:
Alsatian Rieslings and smaragd bottlings from Austria

Sommeliers sometimes call these daytime wines. Their low alcohol and whisper of sweetness are superb for light meals or salty snacks.

Wines to Seek Out:
Many Washington bottlings and German feinherbs

If a dish is so intense or fiery that beer seems the only option, try an off-dry Riesling instead. The extra sugar in the wine counters the heat, while the chiles in the dish make the wine taste less sweet.

Wines to Seek Out:
Traditional German Kabinetts and most New Zealand Rieslings

Whether light or decadent, dishes that combine sweet and savory flavors work best with sweet Rieslings that still have refreshing acidity.

Wines to Seek Out:
Semisweet Finger Lakes wines and traditional German Spätleses

While dessert Rieslings could be paired with fruit tarts, sommeliers love them with cheese.

Wines to Seek Out:
Eisweins and German Beerenausleses