Top 10 Idaho Rieslings: From Dry to Sweet
If you're looking to broaden your wine horizons, you should consider exploring the world of Idaho Rieslings. Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine country. But, tucked away in the Snake River Valley, Idaho's wineries have quietly become a powerhouse for producing some of the country's best Rieslings. In Snake River Valley, you'll find Indian Creek Winery, an excellent case in point. Hot summer days followed by crisp
Crisp wines come from several key grape ... More nights create a curious mix of ripeness and tartness, a flavor profile you won't easily replicate.
If you think all Rieslings are overly sweet, then get ready for a pleasant surprise - our guide, Top 10 Idaho Rieslings: From Dry to Sweet will explore some of the best Idaho Riesling
Riesling is one of the world's most nobl... More wines that offer incredible versatility, ranging from bone-dry expressions to luscious dessert wines.
Top 10 Idaho Rieslings: From Dry to Sweet A Gem State Grape
Idaho wines first emerged on the scene in the 1860s. Despite facing a setback during Prohibition, they experienced a revival with the establishment of Chapelle Winery in 1976. Ste. For over a century, Chapelle has proudly held the torch as Idaho's largest winery, crafting a diverse array of wines that win hearts – none more so than its sublime Rieslings, which have enthralled connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Winemaker Chuck Devlin at Ste. Chapelle acknowledges Riesling as Idaho's top grape varietal, boasting a reputation that gets noticed and converts new enthusiasts with each new year. The Gem State's wine industry has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years, spotlighting high-caliber wines that put Idaho on the map - Rieslings prominently featured.
The Idaho Wine & Cider Competition
One notable event that brings to light the best Idaho Rieslings is the annual Idaho Wine and Cider Competition. We've put together this roster, with every selection made personally. This corner of the country, where vineyards blanket the rolling hills, is where wine enthusiasts find their happy place – it's the Pacific Northwest's wine wonderland. When the Idaho Wine Commission comes on board, the resulting event celebrates the rich
Rich wine refers to wines that deliver a... More flavors and talents of Idaho's wine and cider makers. It all started two years after the decade flipped to a new one - 2017, to be exact. Vibrant
A vibrant wine is a tasting descriptor f... More Meriwether Foothills hard cider is the perfect marriage of sweet and dry flavors. As the cider maker stood on the podium, they knew their gold medal win would pave the way for a surge of new entries in future competitions.
As the judges' table rotates, a fresh crop of esteemed judges from all corners of the country critiques an explosion of creative works, each with their X-factor. Results of the competition are used to promote Idaho Wine & Cider Month, which features Savor Idaho, the signature event held at the In the heart of the Treasure Valley, the Idaho Botanical Garden awaits, its vibrant colors and serene atmosphere ready to captivate all who enter.
Idaho Winemakers Making Their Mark
The 2023 Idaho Wine and Cider Competition showcased exceptional wines and talented Idaho winemakers. Raise the curtain on our backstage pass to awe-inspiring vineyards! With every sip, these trophy-toting specialists unfurl their singular mastery.
Think sun-kissed hills, endless skies, and rich earthy aromas – welcome to Koenig Vineyards, where grape-growing magic happens.
Caldwell's wine landscape has a new ace up its sleeve – Koenig Vineyards – which has rapidly become a go-to destination for anyone serious about fermentation. Winemaker Greg Koenig's legacy for creating award-winning Rieslings lives on, most notably their Late Harvest
Late harvest wines represent one of the ... More Riesling. In 2023, their Koenig Vineyards NV Riesling Ice Wine
Ice wine (or Eiswein in German) is a rar... More, predominately from the 2021 harvest, snagged the coveted Best in Show Award.
Williamson Vineyards
With James Nederend at the helm, this vineyard took home the award for Best Red Wine for its exquisite 2020 Sangiovese
Sangiovese is one of Italy's most import... More. The winery has earned a coveted double gold medal for its 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
Hat Ranch Winery and Veer Wine Project
Winemaker Will Wetmore showcased his talent with several notable wins for both wineries in 2023. This gold-medal-winning Unoaked Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine made from gre... More from 2022 steals the show, proving Idaho's Snake River Valley has the makings of a stellar white wine region.
The 2020 Hat Ranch Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape varie... More impressed with a double gold medal and the title of Best Malbec
Malbec is a distinctive red wine varieta... More. In a similar feat, the 2019 Vixen Cabernet Franc from Kerry Hill Winery demonstrated Wetmore's skills in coaxing elegance
Elegance in alcoholic beverages — whethe... More from this varietal. He didn't stop there, his 2021 Mataro, crafted under the Veer Wine Project, secured double gold further emphasizing his versatility and passion.
Welcoming you to Split Rail Winery, where every visit feels like a rustic retreat.
Jed Glavin's devotion to a hands-off approach has spawned a style of wine that's not only elegant but also is refreshingly unpretentious, winning fans among those who appreciate an unadulterated taste. This pursuit nearly culminated in a Best in Show award in 2016, with his GSM program narrowly missing the top spot. However, Glavin's hard work came to fruition at the 2023 Idaho Wine and Cider Competition.
His 2022 White Noise Pétillant Naturel Sparkling White Wine, an innovative take on traditional sparkling wine, claimed the Best Sparkling Wine title and secured a coveted double gold medal.
Step into the picturesque vineyards of Idaho, where dedicated winemakers are coaxing subtle flavors from Riesling grapes, resulting in lively, balanced wines that would make any occasion shine.
If you're thirsty for adventure, pin Idaho's Riesling country to your map - its many hidden treasures will quench your curiosity. Whether you're searching for dry, sweet, or sparkling expressions, there's something out there to suit every palate and preference.
Below, you'll find a starting point, showcasing the impressive variety and distinction within Idaho's acclaimed Riesling landscape:
| Idaho Riesling | Style | Tasting Notes | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koenig Vineyards Riesling Ice Wine | Sweet Dessert Wine Dessert wines are some of the most luxur... More | Intense aromas of honeyed apricot, tangerine zest, and ginger. Flavors burst forth with ripe mango and candied citrus. The long finish Finish refers to the practice of aging s... More is marked with refreshing acidity. | $$ (around $30) |
| Williamson Vineyards Dry Riesling | Dry, Crisp | Ranging from off-dry expressions with stone fruit and floral notes to late-harvest Rieslings offering pronounced honey and tropical fruit aromas. | $$ (around $20-25) |
| Ste. Chapelle Riesling | Semi-Sweet to Sweet | Ranging from off-dry expressions with stone fruit and floral notes to late-harvest Rieslings offering pronounced honey and tropical fruit aromas. | $ (around $15-20) |
| Cinder Wines Dry Riesling | Dry | Lively notes of pear, key lime pie, and hints of petrol. Crisp and refreshing with a bright, mineral-driven finish. | $$ (around $25-30) |
| Sawtooth Winery Classic Fly Dry Riesling | Off-Dry | Crisp and approachable. Notes of grapefruit, nectarine, and subtle floral aromas. | $ (around $15-20) |
| Coiled Wines 2018 Still Riesling | Dry | Enticing aromas. Balanced acidity with stone fruit. It pairs well with many cuisines. | $$ (around $25-$30) |
Conclusion
While Idaho's wine country might surprise you with its elegance and award-winning offerings, the dedication of the state's winemakers has solidified Idaho's standing in the world of quality winemaking. Whether you're new to Rieslings or a seasoned enthusiast, don't underestimate Idaho's array of dry to sweet Rieslings. Idler's alert! You might be about to encounter an Idaho Riesling that rocks your world and sets a new benchmark for the country's top drops.
