Most noble of whites

Arguably the most aristocratic of all white grape varieties and certainly among the world's most noble in either colour, Riesling produces wines in styles both dry and sweet, and as expressive of fine local terroir as varietal character. It is more associated with Germany than any other country, but there are also amazing examples from over the borders into Alsace and Austria (not to mention further afield).  

From the Alsace, Olivier Humbrecht is an Uncorked hero. The steep, difficult limestone Heimbourg vineyard was largely abandoned after the First World War. But Olivier's father was intrigued by this site and the domaine now owns the large part of it. Vines struggle to grow here, but the fruit they produce gives wines of great definition and character. 

In Austria, the small Wachau region produces many of the country's very finest wines, and among the very top estates here is Emmerich Knoll. 

In Germany, the Donnhoffs live on the Nahe, and cultivate vineyards overlooking the river from steep slate cliffs. The soils vary from blue slate to volcanic rock. Different aspect and exposure mean some vineyards lean towards dry styles and some towards sweet, and sometimes it just varies by vintage. 

The Mosel has a character all its own and the wines of Dr Loosen are world-famous. Germany's GG designation means great growth and always denotes a dry style. The Urziger Wurzgarten (the "Urzig spice-garden") is one of the Mosel's best (and steepest!) vineyards, an astonishing, red-soil site famous for the wines it can produce.