Welschriesling

Also known as Riesling Italico · Olaszrizling · Graševina · Laški Rizling

Saved references

A separate variety from Riesling, spanning fresh dry whites and botrytised sweet wines.

Aromatic palette

Apple

green apple · citrus · hay flowers

Read the structure.

acidityTypically lively

tanninLow in conventional white wines

bodyLight to rich, depending on style

alcoholVariable; sweet versions may be lower

What could you confuse it with?

Do not merge with Riesling; its international synonyms refer to this separate variety.

Origins & family

Regional roots

Central and south-eastern Europe; Austrian dry and sweet wines are useful references. It is distinct from Riesling.

In the vineyard

In Austria it is important in Steiermark and Burgenland; noble-rot selections are a major sweet-wine use.

Regional expressions

Austria

Burgenland and Steiermark

A separate variety from Riesling, spanning fresh dry whites and botrytised sweet wines.

Structure

Typically lively; Light to rich, depending on style

At the table

Compare wines at similar ripeness and sweetness.

Explore Burgenland and Steiermark

Hungary

Balaton

Known as Olaszrizling; fresh to textured dry whites, especially on the north shore.

Structure

From lighter fruit-led to fuller examples.

At the table

Distinct from Riesling; check the exact local origin.

Explore Balaton

Hungary

Somló

Olaszrizling is part of the traditional white-grape set.

Structure

Acidity and texture vary with site and method.

At the table

Match the actual wine’s weight.

Explore Somló

Cellar & service

Winemaking & development

Dry whites, sparkling base wines and sweet wines are distinct expressions. Eisenberg permits pure Welschriesling for village and Ried DAC wines.

Service & ageing

Match serving temperature and aeration to the bottle’s body, sweetness and development.

Pairing logic

Use acidity, weight and actual sweetness to choose the dish; these are more useful than the grape name alone.