Schmitt Sohne Relax Riesling

Schmitt Sohne Relax Riesling is a semi-sweet German Riesling from the Mosel region, bottled at approximately 9% ABV in 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned a Double Gold medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition, and the wine has been recognized as a Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" — a strong endorsement for its quality-to-value ratio.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~9%  |  Origin: Mosel, Germany  |  Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Producer: Schmitt Söhne GmbH

Production & Heritage

Schmitt Söhne GmbH is a family-run producer based in the Mosel, one of Germany's most celebrated Riesling-growing regions. The Mosel is defined by steep, south-facing vineyard slopes planted on mineral-rich blue slate soils — geological conditions that retain the sun's warmth well into cool evenings and contribute green apple character and pronounced minerality to the finished wine. Grapes for the Relax Riesling are harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve freshness, then destemmed and cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 50°F and 65°F. This low-temperature fermentation preserves delicate aromatics and retains residual sweetness while keeping the alcohol level notably restrained at around 9%.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe white peach and honeyed melon, followed by floral top notes and a hint of lime zest. Beneath the fruit, a subtle mineral quality emerges — a signature of the Mosel's slate soils.

Taste: The entry is juicy and immediately fruity, with fresh apple and white peach at the forefront. At mid-palate, grapefruit and lemon flavors expand alongside a bright tangerine-like acidity that keeps the residual sweetness in check. The overall impression is medium-sweet but balanced, never cloying.

Finish: The finish is clean and refreshingly crisp, with lingering citrus peel and a faint whiff of freshly laundered linen. It wraps up quickly, leaving a cheerful lemonade-like aftertaste that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Relax Riesling

Serve well chilled, between 40°F and 45°F, to let the fruit aromatics shine without letting the sweetness feel heavy. A stemmed white wine glass with a narrow bowl concentrates the floral and citrus notes.

• Riesling Spritz: Combine with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint — the wine's natural sweetness and low ABV make it an ideal base for a light, effervescent warm-weather drink.
• White Sangria: The peach and apple character blends seamlessly with sliced stone fruit and a splash of elderflower liqueur.
• Hugo Cocktail: Substitute for the traditional prosecco alongside elderflower syrup and fresh mint for a lower-alcohol twist on this popular European aperitif.

Best For

• Introducing a wine newcomer to German Riesling without overwhelming their palate
• Outdoor entertaining — picnics, rooftop gatherings, and warm-weather brunches
• Pairing with spicy takeout where a sweeter, lower-alcohol wine provides relief
• Stocking a house wine that appeals to a wide range of guests

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Relax Riesling taste like? Relax Riesling delivers juicy white peach, green apple, and grapefruit flavors with a medium-sweet profile balanced by bright natural acidity. The finish is crisp and citrus-driven, with a refreshing lemonade-like quality.

How does Relax Riesling compare to Barefoot Riesling? Both are widely available, value-priced Rieslings, but Relax Riesling comes from Germany's Mosel region with its signature slate-soil minerality, while Barefoot is a California wine with a fruitier, less mineral-driven profile. Relax also tends to sit at a slightly lower ABV, around 9% versus Barefoot's roughly 10-11%, resulting in a lighter body.

Is Relax Riesling good for beginners? Its accessible sweetness, low alcohol, and fruit-forward character make it one of the most approachable entry points into Riesling. The balanced acidity prevents it from tasting sugary, which helps newer wine drinkers understand how sweetness and acidity interact.

Where is Relax Riesling made? Relax Riesling is produced by Schmitt Söhne GmbH in the Mosel region of Germany. The Mosel's steep, south-facing vineyards and blue slate soils are among the most recognized terroir features in global winemaking.

What foods pair well with Relax Riesling? Thai green curry and pad Thai — the wine's sweetness tames chile heat. Pork schnitzel or bratwurst, a classic German pairing that highlights the apple and citrus notes. Sushi and sashimi, where the clean acidity complements raw fish. Mild soft cheeses like Brie or young goat cheese, which mirror the wine's creamy texture. Fresh fruit tarts or key lime pie for a dessert pairing that echoes the citrus profile.

What sizes does Relax Riesling come in? Relax Riesling is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle and a 1.5L magnum format.

Is Relax Riesling worth the price? Relax Riesling positions as an entry-level German Riesling and consistently over-delivers for its tier, evidenced by its Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" designation and multiple competition medals. Within its price range, it stands out for genuine regional character from the Mosel rather than a generic fruit-sweet profile.

Why Relax Riesling?

What separates Relax Riesling from the crowded field of affordable sweet whites is provenance — it draws on genuine Mosel terroir, with blue slate minerality and cool-climate acidity that generic warm-climate Rieslings simply cannot replicate. The cold-fermentation technique in stainless steel locks in varietal purity, and the restrained 9% ABV keeps the wine light and food-friendly. Competition recognition backs this up: a Double Gold at the Sunset International Wine Competition and consistent 80–88 point critical scores across vintages confirm it punches above its weight class. For anyone seeking a reliably fresh, semi-sweet Riesling rooted in one of the world's great wine regions, this remains a benchmark at its price point.