Riesling - which temperature for which Riesling type?

By contrast however, Rieslings of the "sound basis" category are wonderfully suited to cool temperatures. They may be taken from the refrigerator and poured directly into the glass.

This harms neither the typical aroma of the variety nor the luscious acidity. These uncomplicated Rieslings should not be drunk too warm, otherwise they lose their thrill.

Kabinett wines of the "delicate finesse" type likewise love cool temperatures; however, they can endure somewhat higher temperatures thanks to their relatively low alcohol content. Since they have within them a harmonious combination of fruit, acidity, sweetness and alcohol, they can be served between 7 and 10°C quite according to preference.

The exact temperature can only be determined with a thermometer, but preferably, one should rely on discerning the temperature by feel. That is why the old rule of thumb is used:
when in doubt, the wine should be served rather on the colder side than on the warmer, since it will become warm itself.

In their youth, when the fruit aromas still noticeably prevail, multifaceted, fruit-sweet Spätlese wines react similarly to Kabinett wines. In a more mature condition however, one should allow them a more moderate temperature of 10 to 12°C. They are grateful for it and display decidedly more from their flavoral spectrum.

Grand cru wines in the dry flavoral style, but also opulent, mature Rieslings should not be drunk too warm. Their usually high alcohol levels, which can certainly reach between 12 and 14% vol., would otherwise develop broad, unpleasant notes and take away the sustaining elegance. So that they can exhibit their immense multilayered aspect along with their vigor, they should be drunk between 10 and 13°C.

Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and ice wines distinguish themselves through their delicate combination of exciting acidity and fruit-sweetness. They should never be drunk too warm, since then the acidity falls away and the corresponding sweetness can appear sticky and ponderous.