FAVOURED by sommeliers and connoisseurs, German riesling is a classic table wine and a great workhorse for colourful menus thanks to its tingling acidity and beguiling flavours of apples, peaches and pear.

Riesling is generally a light white wine in varying styles and the lower the alcohol content, the sweeter the taste. In the same vein, the higher the abv, the dryer the style.

Spatlese (aka late harvest, so the grapes are very ripe) means semi-sweet and the Mosel Valley is famous for this higher sugar content. Trocken means dry and Rheingau rieslings are generally tangy and richer, while kabinett means off-dry, with a lower alcohol level of around 7% to 8%.

Riesling is a brilliant match with spicy curries, sushi, stir-fries, roast pork and apple desserts.

For an entry level medium style, try Simply Riesling 2011, Germany (£4.79, Tesco, 11% abv, Tesco) from the Rheinhessen area. Served well chilled, this cheeky little number is smooth, sweet and sharp with honey giving way to flavours of tart citrus fruits – excellent with a lightly spiced prawn stir-fry.

A little gem from the Pfalz region, which is renowned for its dry wines, try Peter & Peter Riesling 2011, Germany (£6.49, 13% abv, Tesco). Dry and clean with delicious peach and apricot flavours, counter-balanced by good acidity, it tastes extremely pleasant with sushi and sashimi.

Dr Wagner Riesling 2011, Germany (£8.99, 9.5% abv, Waitrose) has a vibrant acidity that keeps it fresh, floral and citrusy without being too over the top. Ideal on its own, or with warm apple strudel.

As the name implies, Mineralstein Riesling 2011, Germany (£8.99, 12% abv, Marks & Spencer) is a minerally, lean and clean style, with citrus and peach fruits. Not a style I’d suggest on its own, but the brilliant balance of fruit and acidity works like a dream with chicken tikka masala or spicy potato curry.