Winemaker Notes
Ungeheuer GG of Forst is one of Germany’s most significant vineyard sites. Ungeheuer was poured at the opening ceremony of the suez canal in 1869 and had fans the likes of Goethe or Otto von Bismarck.The Bavarian land parcel classification of 1828 categorized this site as a top vineyard. The Chancellor of the German Empire Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) commented on the wine with the following statement: “Dieses Ungeheuer schmeckt mir ungeheuer,” which can be translated to “This colossal tastes colossally good”. From that point onward the site, became world famous.
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.