What distinguishes dry Rieslings from off-dry or sweet ones?

The difference between dry, off-dry, and sweet Rieslings is determined by the quantity of residual sugar that remains in the wine after fermentation. Dry rieslings contain little residual sugar, which has the characteristic of being crispy and refreshing and is focused mostly on acidity and minerality. Off-dry Rieslings have some trace of sweetness. This balances the acidity in them, while sweet Rieslings display a distinct fruitiness and residual sugar making them ideal for dessert pairings.