KissKissWelschriesling2021

Get to know: Kiss Kiss Welschriesling 2021

Tasting Note

Not to be confused with Riesling, Welschriesling is a white grape that produces wines that are zippy, fresh and full of charm – Kiss Kiss Welschriesling is a classic example of why this grape shines in Austria. Expect bright flavours of green apple and lemon zest, maybe a touch of white peach or freshly cut herbs. It’s light-bodied, super refreshing, and just the thing for warm days or when you want something crisp and clean.

Try it with vegan Vietnamese rice paper rolls with lime dip, grilled sea bass with lemon and dill, a tangy feta or young goat’s cheese – brilliant on a mezze board.

Kate Says

“Not the same Riesling you may be expecting 😉 Welschriesling needs a long ripening period so it can be difficult to get right and harvest date is crucial. This example is wonderfully refreshing for these sunny days. There’s some intensity on the palate with a smoky minerality, some lime/lemon and grassy notes too. A lovely wine made by lovely people.”

Producer Info

Weingut Kiss (pronounced “GIISCH”) is a sixth-generation family estate based in Burgenland, Austria. These days, it’s run by Verena and Rudy Kiss, who are breathing new life into the family business while staying true to their roots.

Their vines sit up on Leitha Mountain, where they benefit from a mix of rocky soils and cooling breezes from Lake Neusiedl. It’s the perfect spot for growing crisp whites like Welschriesling – and they’ve even turned old, overgrown military land into productive vineyards, with help from Austrian army engineers and a few clever subsidies.

They work organically, though they’re not officially certified, and their approach is all about low intervention: letting the grapes and terroir do the talking. For the Welschriesling, that means gentle handling in stainless steel tanks, preserving the grape’s natural zing and keeping things fresh and bright.