Riesling, noun

Forms:
Also with small initial.
Origin:
Named after the Rhine Riesling cultivar which it resembles in appearance.
1. A variety of vine and grape originating in south-western France, where it is known as Cruchen Blanc; the white wine produced from this grape; Cape Riesling, see Cape sense 2 a. See also Cape wine.
1980 J. Platter Bk of S. Afr. Wines 88Different to the more recently imported Weisser Riesling of Germany, the S.A. riesling nonetheless is closely related to its German namesake.
1981 J. Doxat Indispensable Drinks Bk 53South African Riesling, not the true Rhine Riesling, is what is usually meant if the word Riesling tout court appears on a wine label.
1982 M. Beazley Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Bk 173South African Riesling makes some of the country’s better white wines, but it is not the same as Rhine Riesling, which has only recently been planted in any quantity in S. Africa.
1988 D. Hughes et al. Complete Bk of S. Afr. Wine 47The South African Riesling was found to be unrelated to the German Riesling; instead it has been identified with the French vine, Cruchen Blanc.
2. With distinguishing epithet: Weisser Riesling, Rhine Riesling.
1980 J. Platter Bk of S. Afr. Wines 88Weisser Riesling (Also referred to as ‘true’ or ‘Rhine’ riesling) is everything that is the ‘South African’ riesling, except more so; more aromatic, spicier, more complex, more subtle, more scented.
A variety of vine and grape originating in south-western France, where it is known as Cruchen Blanc; the white wine produced from this grape; Cape Riesling, see Cape sense 2 a.
Weisser Riesling, Rhine Riesling.
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