Riesling is an aromatic white grape variety known for its high acidity and flowery aromas that tend to thrive in cooler wine growing regions. It is the main winegrape of Germany but has significant plantings throughout the new and old world wine regions. Riesling is used to make a wide range of wines from dry to mildly sweet to sweet and is sometimes used in sparkling wines. The grape is known to greatly express the terroir of where it is grown, but will still maintain the characteristics which identify it. Riesling has been described as flowery, honey-like, and complex, as well as spicy and long lasting or lingering on the palate.
In California, Riesling is also known by its botanical name or synonym White Riesling. The ice wine, late harvest, and botrytisized Rieslings are among the most prized and age-worthy wines in the world.
Since 1998 the acreage of Riesling has grown in California to 4,452 acres. Monterey County is by far the leader with 2,237 acres. Merced recently expanded its Riesling acreage and as of 2011 has the second-largest acreage with 500 standing acres. Santa Barbara comes in third with 297 acres.
Top 10 California Counties for Riesling Acreage, 2012
| County | 2012 Total Acres |
|---|---|
| Monterey | 2,237 |
| Merced | 500 |
| Santa Barbara | 297 |
| Yolo | 266 |
| San Joaquin | 255 |
| San Luis Obispo | 177 |
| Napa | 133 |
| San Benito | 120 |
| Sacramento | 93 |
| Lake | 89 |
| Other | 285 |
| STATE TOTAL | 4,452 |
Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service
California Riesling Grape Crush Tonnage
| Year | Tons Crushed |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 36,925 |
| 2011 | 27,756 |
| 2010 | 25,751 |
| 2009 | 22,101 |
| 2008 | 15,397 |
| 2007 | 13,880 |
| 2006 | 11,135 |
| 2005 | 12,895 |
| 2004 | 9,224 |
| 2003 | 8,466 |
| 2002 | 7,659 |
| 2001 | 9,074 |
| 2000 | 9,531 |
| 1999 | 7,759 |
| 1998 | 9,946 |
| 1997 | 11,929 |
| 1996 | 13,141 |
| 1995 | 14,484 |
| 1994 | 13,427 |
| 1993 | 17,451 |
| 1992 | 21,221 |
| 1991 | 18,350 |
| 1990 | 20,092 |
Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service
