A To Z Riesling

A to Z Wineworks Riesling is a 100% Oregon Riesling from A to Z Wineworks, bottled at 12% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 92 points by Wine & Spirits and recognized multiple times as a Top 100 Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast, this stainless-steel-fermented white consistently punches above its weight class in American Riesling.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Oregon, USA  |  Style: Cool-Climate Dry Riesling  |  Winery: A to Z Wineworks

Production & Heritage

A to Z Wineworks operates on a distinctive low-asset model, sourcing Riesling grapes from carefully selected vineyards across Western Oregon rather than relying on a single estate. Grapes are hand-picked at peak ripeness from cool-climate sites, then fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel to preserve varietal purity and bright acidity. This multi-vineyard blending approach allows the winemaking team to capture what they describe as the "Essence of Oregon," drawing fruit from across the Willamette Valley and other Western Oregon appellations to achieve a consistently expressive, terroir-driven Riesling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with honeysuckle and apple blossom before moving into ripe stone fruit — white peach and apricot — layered over Kaffir lime and a subtle honeycomb sweetness. A faint mineral note of talc adds complexity underneath the florals.

Taste: The entry is lively and slightly pétillant, with mandarin orange and Meyer lemon arriving first. Mid-palate reveals crisp Cosmic Crisp apple and pink grapefruit, carried by assertive acidity that keeps the wine taut and refreshing. Hints of citrus rind and a tonic-water quality give the palate real tension and length.

Finish: Dry and penetrating, with lingering lime zest and a clean mineral edge. The acidity carries well past the last sip, leaving a bright, focused impression that invites another glass.

How to Drink A to Z Riesling

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, in a standard white wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. This wine is an ideal sipper on its own but also works in several wine-forward mixed drinks. A classic Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a lime wheel highlights the citrus core without masking it. A Riesling Sangria built with sliced stone fruit, mint, and a splash of elderflower liqueur plays directly into the wine's peach and apricot character. A Hugo Spritz variation — substituting this Riesling for prosecco alongside elderflower syrup and fresh mint — produces a lighter, more aromatic take on the popular aperitivo.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring Thai, Vietnamese, or other aromatic cuisines
• Warm-weather porch sipping or picnic settings where crisp acidity shines
• Introducing Riesling skeptics to high-quality, dry-styled American Riesling
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who values critical acclaim and everyday drinkability

Frequently Asked Questions

What does A to Z Riesling taste like? A to Z Riesling leads with bright citrus — mandarin orange, Meyer lemon, and grapefruit — layered with white peach and crisp apple, all driven by vibrant acidity and a dry, mineral finish.

How does A to Z Riesling compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling? Both are widely available American Rieslings at a similar price tier, but A to Z sources exclusively from Oregon's cooler vineyards, which tends to yield higher acidity and a drier profile. Chateau Ste. Michelle's Columbia Valley Riesling typically leans slightly sweeter and rounder, with more residual sugar balancing its fruit character.

Is A to Z Riesling good for beginners? Absolutely — its approachable 12% ABV, bright fruit flavors, and crisp finish make it an accessible entry point for anyone exploring Riesling or white wine in general.

Where is A to Z Riesling made? A to Z Riesling is produced by A to Z Wineworks in Oregon, with grapes sourced from multiple cool-climate vineyards across Western Oregon, including sites in the Willamette Valley.

What foods pair well with A to Z Riesling? Spicy Thai green curry benefits from the wine's acidity and slight residual sweetness. Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc echo the Meyer lemon and peach notes. Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls mirror the wine's crisp, clean character. Soft aged cheeses like Gruyère contrast nicely with the bright acidity. Roast pork loin with apple chutney ties into the apple and stone-fruit flavors on the palate.

What sizes does A to Z Riesling come in? A to Z Riesling is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is A to Z Riesling worth the price? A to Z Riesling positions firmly in the value tier, and its repeated Top 100 Best Buy recognition from Wine Enthusiast confirms it delivers quality well beyond its price point — a consistent overperformer among American Rieslings.

Why A to Z Riesling?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of American Rieslings is the combination of critical consistency and a production philosophy that prioritizes blending across Oregon's diverse cool-climate sites. A 92-point score from Wine & Spirits and multiple Wine Enthusiast Best Buy designations — including a 91-point rating on the 2022 vintage — place it among the most reliably acclaimed Rieslings in its price range. The all-stainless-steel vinification preserves a purity of fruit and acidity that barrel-aged competitors cannot match. For drinkers seeking a dry, vibrant, and genuinely food-friendly Oregon Riesling, A to Z remains one of the category's most dependable choices.