When it comes to wine, few options can hold a candle to a great bottle of Riesling. This white grape variety, which originates from the Rhine region of Germany, is known for its aromatic and flavorful properties.
And while Riesling can range from sweet to dry, it’s dry Riesling that wins the hearts of discerning wine lovers.
As one of the most versatile wines out there, Riesling can pair well with almost any food.
However, if you’re specifically looking to highlight the dryness of your Riesling, taking the time to match it with the perfect food can make all the difference.
But what is the best food to pair with dry riesling? In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best food to pair with the dry Riesling variety.
So, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just trying Riesling for the first time, read on to discover the ultimate food pairing for this popular wine.
What to Pair with Riesling
Let’s start by discussing the unique dryness of Riesling. Unlike the sweet and fruity Riesling we’re more used to, dry Riesling has a crisp and acidic quality that sets it apart from other wines.
As such, it’s important to pair it with foods that won’t overpower or clash with its unique taste profile. One excellent option is light seafood dishes like oysters, clams, and shrimp.
The acidity in dry Riesling cuts through the rich and complex flavors of seafood, resulting in a refreshing and well-balanced pairing.
Another great pairing for dry Riesling is smoked salmon. The wine’s bright acidity perfectly complements the smokiness of the salmon, while the wine’s notes of citrus beautifully highlight the salmon’s salmon’s, natural sweetness.
For best results, serve the salmon chilled and complement it with a bright salad and herb butter.
If you’re looking for something a little more savory, consider trying a cheese platter.
The acidity of the Riesling seamlessly pairs with the natural saltiness and creaminess of the cheese, while the light fruit undertones balance out the fat content. Opt for a diverse selection of mild cheeses, such as fresh goat cheese, brie, or gouda, to fully appreciate the complexities of the wine.
For a more robust flavor experience, try pairing dry Riesling with spicy Asian cuisine.
From Thai curries to Indian vindaloo, spicy food can bring out the subtle flavors in Riesling and create a symphony of flavors on the palate.
The crisp acidity of the wine also helps to tame the heat of the spices, making it an excellent partner for those who enjoy a little extra kick in their meals.
Best Food to Pair with Dry Riesling
1. Seafood
Dry Riesling and seafood are a classic match and for a good reason. With its crisp acidity and citrusy notes, dry Riesling is a perfect complement to the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish.
Simply prepared seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, baked salmon, or steamed mussels are ideal for pairing with a glass of dry Riesling.
Discover More: Best Drinks Must pair with Seafood Boil
2. Asian cuisine
Whether it’s sushi, Thai curry, or Chinese stir-fry, dry Riesling is a great choice for pairing with Asian cuisine. With its tangy acidity and low alcohol content, dry Riesling works wonders in cutting through the bold flavors of spicy, sweet, and sour dishes. And given its versatility, you can experiment with a range of Asian flavors to find your perfect pairing.
3. Spicy dishes
If you love spicy food, you’ll be happy to know that dry Riesling is a perfect match.
The wine’s acidity and fruity notes help to tame the heat in spicy dishes, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. Think Indian chicken tikka masala, Mexican enchiladas, or Korean kimchi stew.
4. Cheese
Cheese and wine pairings are a match made in culinary heaven. And when it comes to dry Riesling, the pairing opportunities are endless.
From soft and creamy brie to tangy blue cheese, you can find a perfect cheese match for your favorite dry Riesling. And why not create a cheese board with a few different varieties of cheese to taste with your wine?
5. Salads
If you love their greens, dry Riesling is a great choice for pairing with a variety of salads.
Whether it’s a light summer salad of mixed greens or a spicy arugula salad with goat cheese, dry Riesling is a refreshing accompaniment that won’t overpower the dish’s flavors.
6. Spicy Thai curries
The combination of the sweetness from the Riesling and the heat of the curry creates an unforgettable flavor combination.
7. Baked salmon
The buttery texture of baked salmon is balanced perfectly by the zesty notes in a crisp, dry Riesling.
8. Fried calamari
Fried calamari can be heavy, but when paired with a bright, acidic Riesling, it becomes light and airy.
9. Roasted pork loin
Dry Rieslings can help bring out the roasted flavors of a pork loin without overpowering them. (Recipe)
10. Prosciutto-wrapped melon
The sweetness of prosciutto-wrapped melon is cut by the dry acidity in a light Riesling, creating an incredibly refreshing dish.
11. Asparagus risotto
Light and creamy asparagus risotto is complemented nicely by a crisp and fruity Riesling, which adds balance and acidity to each bite!
12. Fruit salad
Fruity salads are made even more enjoyable when enjoyed alongside a glass of fresh and zesty Riesling!
13. Roast chicken
Roast chicken is a classic preparation that gets upgraded when served alongside a bottle of chilled, dry Riesling!
14. Creamy pasta dishes
Alfredo or carbonara? Both get taken up several notches when accompanied by a fresh glass of dry Riesling!
15. Grilled cheese sandwiches
A simple yet delicious combination, pair your favorite griddled sandwich with some chilled Riesling for maximum enjoyment!
Explore More: Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Kalua Pork Sandwiches
16. Garden vegetable sides
Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus etc., are elevated to new heights when served with some flavorful Rieslings!
17. Mushroom dishes
Whether it’s sautéed mushrooms over toast or creamy mushroom soup, both go exceptionally well with relaxed glasses of cold Rieslings!
18. Sushi rolls
Sushi rolls become truly special creations when imbibed alongside vibrant and refreshing glasses of Germanic or Alsatian Rieslings!
19. Fried fish tacos
Enjoy spicy fried fish tacos even more when paired with cool glasses full of sweet yet tart Dry Rieslings, which provide the perfect contrast to those bold Mexican flavors!
Find Out More: Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos
20. Vegetarian black bean chili & cornbread
Take comfort food classics such as chili & cornbread to new heights when served alongside some slightly sweet & tart Dry Rieslings, which help bring out all those subtle flavors!
21. Spicy Indian curries
Rich curries are made even more enjoyable thanks to crisp Dry Rieslings that help cut through all those intense spices!
22. Quiche Lorraine
Enjoy one last classic French dish in style with smooth yet lively bottles full of semi-dry or sweeter style Dry Rieslings!
23. Veal scallopini
Lemon veal scallopini reaches new heights in terms of fun flavor combinations thanks to its perfect partner: Dry Germanic or Alsacians-type Rieslings!
24. Chicken pot pie
Rich chicken pot pie gets transformed into something truly special when washed down with slowly sipped glasses full of sweet yet tart semi-dry or sweeter styles off Dry Germanic or Alsacians styles off Rieslings!
25. Braised lamb shanks
Classic braised lamb shanks become quintessential winter eating experiences once enjoyed alongside powerful yet elegant bottles of slightly sweet & very tart semi-dry Germanwings or Alsacians types of Rieslings!
26. Roast pork tenderloin
Rich and juicy roast pork tenderloin tastes even better when enjoyed alongside chilled glasses full of Dry Rieslings, which complements the natural succulence of this savory dish!
27. Stuffed cabbage rolls
Hearty stuffed cabbage rolls become truly indulgent experiences when paired with bold yet balanced bottles full of semi-dry or sweeter style Germanwings or Alsacians types of Rieslings!
Learn More: Creative Ideas to serve with Wine Tasting at Home
Wrap Up
The versatility of dry Riesling makes it a perfect choice for pairing with a range of foods.
Whether you’re craving seafood, Asian cuisine, spicy dishes, cheese, or salads, a chilled bottle of dry Riesling is sure to be a hit.
With its crisp acidity and fruity notes, this white wine variety is a perfect complement to a variety of flavors and textures.
So next time you’re planning a dinner party or a casual night in, consider a bottle of dry Riesling to pair with your favorite dishes. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
What flavor doesn’t go well with dry Riesling?
A sweet-flavored wine such as a Moscato or Riesling does not pair well with an intensely dry Riesling.
The sweetness of the Moscato or Riesling will be overwhelmed by the dryness of the Riesling, creating a clashing and unpleasant flavor combination.
Instead, opt for a medium-dry to semi-sweet white wine that can balance out the dryness of a drier Riesling.
Sparkling wines with fruity flavors, such as Prosecco, are also excellent options for pairing with a drier Riesling.
