Riesling

Riesling is, for many critics, the world's noblest white grape. Its ability to express terroir is comparable to Pinot Noir, and its high acidity combined with an intense aromatic profile give it exceptional aging potential. In Mosel and Rheingau (Germany), where it was born, it expresses itself masterfully on slate soils. One fascinating thing about Riesling is that, depending on residual sugar levels, it spans every style: from bone-dry, tense wines (Trocken) to botrytized desserts (Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese) and Icewines, made from grapes literally frozen on the vine. Great Rieslings, especially German and Alsatian ones, can age 30–40 years, developing that characteristic petrol note (TDN) that marks its identity and evolution. In Argentina it is practically not grown — it's a cold-climate grape that needs very specific conditions. Patagonia could be a promising region, but hectares remain minimal.