5 Best Riesling To Try This Summer 2025 - Recommendations, Reviews
Apr 30, 2025
With summer upon us, there's no better way to celebrate the season than by enjoying a perfectly chilled Riesling. Hailing from Germany's steep, slate-laden vineyards, this adaptable white wine has garnered international praise for its crisp acidity, lively fruit notes, and impressive aging capabilities. Available in a range from bone-dry to sweet, Riesling excels in every form, making it just as delightful on its own as it is paired with food.
After tasting a bunch of bottles recently, we’ve put together a list of five Rieslings we’ve tried and genuinely loved. Whether you're a devoted Riesling enthusiast or just a casual drinker, we are confident that our recommendations will not disappoint, and these are the bottles we would gladly pour again—making them worthy additions to your summer lineup.
Here are 5 Rieslings we believe are perfect for any occasion, any day—and we’ll tell you why below:
- Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Weisse Kapsel Riesling Trocken 2021
- Schloss Johannisberg Gelblack Feinherb Riesling 2022
- Robert Weil Kiedrich Turmberg Riesling Trocken 2022
- Josmeyer Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2018
- Dr. Hermann Erdener Treppchen Auslese GoldKapsel 2020
Tasting Notes: Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Weisse Kapsel Riesling Trocken 2021
Markus Molitor stands out as one of the most esteemed wineries in the Mosel region, recognized as the largest family-owned premium estate and the sole German winery to receive fifteen 100-point ratings from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
The 2021 Haus Klosterberg, an entry-level Riesling from Molitor, exemplifies how accessibility can coexist with excellence. This wine opens with vibrant floral notes from the Mosel region and zesty lemon aromas that burst from the glass, complemented by a hint of ripe apple. On the palate, it is crisp and energetic—its precise acidity supports flavors of juicy citrus, while a delicate touch of sweetness balances beautifully with the wine's bright profile. The finish is clean and invigorating, leaving a delightful tangy lemon-honey sensation that lingers enticingly.
This impeccable everyday Riesling is both refreshing and complex, consistently exceeding expectations for its price. Whether you are a newcomer to Markus Molitor's wines or a seasoned fan, this bottle is sure to impress.
Tasting Notes: Schloss Johannisberg Gelblack Feinherb Riesling 2022
For Riesling enthusiasts, Schloss Johannisberg is a name that resonates; however, if you're unfamiliar, that's perfectly fine. Established in 1720, it holds the distinction of being the first winery solely devoted to Riesling, introducing iconic styles such as Spätlese, Auslese, and Eiswein and its impact on German wine is unparalleled.
An expressive bouquet of lemon, white peach, and honeysuckle introduces a palate that is refreshing yet gently off-dry (Feinherb), featuring precise acidity harmonized with notes of preserved lemon and wet stone. A hint of petrol, a hallmark of Riesling's maturity, enhances the complexity, while a smooth, slightly oily mouthfeel guides the wine to a mineral-driven, saline finish.
A benchmark off-dry Riesling—balanced, expressive, and quintessentially Schloss Johannisberg.
Tasting Notes: Robert Weil Kiedrich Turmberg Riesling Trocken 2022
Robert Weil’s Turmberg, sourced from the prestigious VDP-classified Erste Lage (Premier Cru In German Terms) vineyard in Rheingau, is crafted from vines over 50 years old, planted densely (5,000-6,000 vines per hectare) on the Taunus foothills, a terroir celebrated for its mineral richness.
The wine presents a straw-gold color and an enticing bouquet of white peach, grapefruit, and dried apricot, complemented by hints of petrol, lavender, and a touch of salinity. On the palate, it showcases a powerful yet pristine character—the texture is balanced by sharp acidity, revealing flavors of lemon zest and honeyed stone fruit.
The mineral influence, reminiscent of seashells, prevails in the lengthy finish, enhanced by a subtle bitterness that contributes to its elegance. This wine stands as a benchmark for Rheingau—luxurious yet precisely focused, embodying the pure essence of Turmberg’s mineral-driven heritage.
Tasting Notes: Josmeyer Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2018
If there’s one Alsace Riesling to try in 2025, let it be Josmeyer’s Grand Cru Hengst 2018. This isn’t just another white wine—it’s a biodynamic masterpiece from a fifth-generation family estate that’s been perfecting Riesling since 1854.
A striking combination of honeycomb, lime zest, and apricot on the nose, complemented by hints of green pineapple, anise, and petrol. The palate showcases a chalky minerality that highlights the flavors of ripe pear, persimmon, and grapefruit, with a texture that balances richness and sharpness perfectly. The finish is refreshingly endless, featuring a mouthwatering saline note and a delicate complexity of bitter almond.
This Riesling exemplifies why Alsace is a contender in the world-class arena; it is truly a masterpiece, and this is no exaggeration.
Tasting Notes: Dr. Hermann Erdener Treppchen Auslese GoldKapsel 2020
Do not be misled by its low profile—Dr. Hermann produces some of the most exciting sweet Rieslings in Mosel, and this GoldKapsel Auslese is absolutely breathtaking.
It features a vibrant blend of pineapple, succulent apricot, and orange zest, all enhanced with honey and a touch of slate minerals. The balance is impeccable: it is richly sweet yet invigorated by sharp acidity, reminiscent of biting into fresh tropical fruit with a sprinkle of sea salt. Notes of marmalade, caramel, and dried fruit contribute to its luxurious complexity. The finish is remarkable, with flavors that persist for minutes.
This is a remarkable wine that is enjoyable now but has the potential to age beautifully for over a decade. Remember, this bottle is sure to elevate any gathering.
Which Riesling Will You Try First?
Here you have five remarkable Rieslings that showcase the limitless charm of this grape. Ranging from the precise dryness of Robert Weil to the radiant sweetness of Dr. Hermann, each bottle provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the season.
Pour yourself a glass, chill it thoroughly, and allow the refreshing acidity and lively fruit to transport you. Believe us—your summer experience has just become significantly more invigorating.
Lastly, if you need any suggestions, don't hesitate to reach out for more recommendations!
