Every year on March 13 the world celebrates International Riesling Day - a holiday dedicated to one of the noblest varieties of white grapes.

This day is not just an occasion to raise a glass to exquisite taste, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture and traditions associated with Riesling.

Riesling is one of the oldest German grape varieties, which is why its name has many synonyms. In different regions of Germany, it is called Klingelbergen, Rhine Riesling, Riesling Edler and Riesling Gelb. But the names Riesling Italico and Welschriesling have nothing to do with Riesling and are synonyms for the white grape variety Graschevina.

DNA studies of Riesling have shown that it is related to one of the oldest varieties in Western Europe, Gouais Blanc, which in turn is related to at least 80 varieties, including such famous varieties as Chardonnay, Furmint and Gamay Noir.

The first mention of Riesling in history dates back to 1435, in the income and expenditure report of Count Johann IV von Katzenelnbogen. The expense item includes the item "22 gold coins for Riesling vines for the vineyard." The word riesslingen was used in this document, but the variety is first encountered in its modern spelling in the 1552 scientific work "Kreuterbuch" by the German botanist Hieronymus Bock.

The variety is resistant to low temperatures, as well as to very poor soil types. Its buds form late, which helps to avoid spring frosts.

Riesling ripens quite late, and also shows good quality even with a relatively high yield.

Riesling is incredibly flexible. It can convey subtle differences in microclimates and soils, which can make wines very different from each other. The large number of styles is due to the varying degrees of sweetness, which is balanced with the variety’s naturally high acidity, as well as alcohol levels. Acidity is also the reason why Rieslings can live and develop for a long time in the bottle.