The International Riesling Foundation has restated its demand for an international system of defining and labelling the taste of Riesling wines.

The association, which is supported among others by Chateau Sainte-Michelle in the USA as well as by Ernst Loosen from the Mosel region, stated more emphatically than ever before the need for a labelling of Riesling by taste. Wines made from the variety should be clearly labelled as "dry", "off-dry" or "sweet" sso that consumers have additional information. The additional use of graphics for the different categories could also be helpful. According to the association, which was founded at the end of last year, many consumers simply regard Reisling as being a variety for sweet wines, and do not even know there are dry versions in the market. However, not only the actual residual sugar content should be taken as a criterion for classification, but acidity and other components of the wine must be considered as well. (WF)