Riesling Italico is a synonym for the Welschriesling grape variety. The origin of Welschriesling remained unclear for a long time, but today it is certain that it originally comes from Croatia, where it is known as Grasevina, or from the Danube basin. In Italy it is known under the name Riesling Italico, in Slovenia under the name Laski Riesling. In fact, it has nothing at all in common with Riesling, apart from the pronounced acidity. In terms of taste, it is much more neutral, but has an invigorating and refreshing effect with its fruit of citrus, lime, grapefruit and green apples. Because of its accentuated acidity, Welschriesling is also ideal for producing noble, sweet wines. It thrives quite well in a wide variety of soils, sprouts late, but also ripens very late, which can cause problems in cool, moist regions. As a grape variety, it is of particular importance in Austria, where it produces lively, fresh and racy, fruity wines primarily around Lake Neusiedl, especially when yields are highly regulated and limited.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Aminea Gemela, talienischer Riesling
