Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
There are few parts of Germany warmer than Pfalz, formerly a tobacco-growing zone where the almond trees flower, and this generous yet delicate Riesling sums up its appeal. The colour is mid-to full-gold with enticing scents of juicy peach and juicy oranges too, of sweet talc, of white chocolate and a little lurking spice. On the palate it is round, warm, tender and full yet freshened by a sense of incipient stoniness in its textures as well as by the giving acidity which underscores the juiciness of its fruits. It's so delicious now this will be hard to stow away in the cellar for long, but there will be rewards if you can manage it. Drink 2019-2025.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
This sunny and relatively dry region served for many years as a German tourist mecca and was associated with low cost, cheerful wines. But since the 1980s, it has gained a reputation as one of Germany’s more innovative regions, which has led to increased international demand.