Riesling vs Grüner Veltliner
Riesling
High acidity, usually with a light to medium body, across dry, off-dry, and sweet styles.
- Lime
- Very high acidity
- Dry to sweet
Recognize it
High acidity is the anchor, often with a light to medium body. Lime, green apple and peach are common when young. A petrol note can develop with bottle age.
Grüner Veltliner
A high-acid Austrian white marked by white pepper and green herb, usually dry and ranging from light and fresh to full-bodied.
- White pepper
- High acidity
- Green herb
Recognize it
Grüner Veltliner keeps high acidity across a wide range of body. White pepper and green herb are the classic markers, while riper examples can develop honey with bottle age.
How they compare
- SimilarHigh acidity and often light to medium body.
- DifferenceGrüner is usually dry and peppery; Riesling is more aromatic and spans dry to sweet.
- SimilarHigh acidity and citrus or green fruit.
- DifferenceRiesling is more aromatic and lime or peach driven; Grüner more peppery and savory.