Grape Variety
Welschriesling
“NOT Riesling!”
Welschriesling is a white wine grape grown in Austria, Hungary, Slovenia — known as “the Not-Riesling”.
Welschriesling at a glance
| Color | White |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Olaszrizling, Laški Rizling, Riesling Italico |
| Signature flavors | Green apple, Citrus, White flowers, Mineral, Almond, Honey |
| Classic pairings | Wiener Schnitzel, Fresh fish, Light appetizers, Asparagus |
| Where it grows | Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Northern Italy |
The Story
Welschriesling has nothing to do with Riesling. The name is confusing and possibly illegal (Germany tried to ban it). It's Austria and Central Europe's workhorse white—crisp, simple, food-friendly.
Insider Story
Welschriesling is NOT related to Riesling. The 'Welsch' prefix means 'foreign' or 'Romance' in German. It's a completely different grape.
Germany tried to ban the name 'Welschriesling' to protect Riesling's reputation. They failed. Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia still use it.
Welschriesling is Central Europe's everyday white—high-yielding, crisp, simple. It makes pleasant wine for immediate drinking.
But in Burgenland (Austria), Welschriesling makes world-class sweet wine. Botrytis-affected Welschriesling from Neusiedlersee rivals Sauternes. It's the grape's hidden potential.
Technical Deep Dive
Welschriesling has high acidity (6-7 g/L), citrus and apple aromatics, and low alcohol (11-12.5% ABV).
Dry Welschriesling is simple and food-friendly. Sweet Welschriesling (botrytis-affected) is complex and age-worthy.
Neusiedlersee's humid climate encourages botrytis. Welschriesling's thin skins are perfect for noble rot.
Industry Secrets
Burgenland Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) Welschriesling is one of the world's great sweet wines. $30-60 (375ml) bottles rival $100+ Sauternes. Kracher and Velich are the top producers.
Collector’s Corner
Investment grade C+- Auction records
- Kracher TBA ($100)
- Blue-chip producers
- ["Kracher","Velich","Feiler-Artinger"]
- Value picks
- Burgenland TBA ($30-60/375ml)
- Price trend
- Stable. Sweet versions age well.
- Collector’s tip
- TBA ages 30+ years. Not mainstream but excellent value vs. Sauternes.
Updated March 2026
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