Germany has a strong wine and beer tradition. German wines are indeed a study of balance between acid and sugar. Many wine drinkers believe that all German wines are sweet or that all Riesling is sweet. This assumption is decidedly untrue. In fact, Germany is home to many of the finest dry wines in Europe. German wine labels and wine laws seem to do very little about making life easier for the consumer. These labels are often confusing and complicated and understood by few wine drinkers. The truth is that there is a wealth of information regarding provenance, ripeness, whether or not a wine is estate bottled and much more. Though there are vineyards in numerous regions throughout Germany, winemakers and consumers seem agree that Riesling is simply the finest grape in Germany. This is evident because Riesling is planted in all of the best vineyard sites throughout the country. Muller Thurgau is also planted throughout Germany as well as numerous other grapes including Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Germany's best red. In addition to Riesling's spot atop the German wine hierarchy, German producers agree upon a quality designation system, QmP. These designations listed in terms of ripeness, which is often confused with sweetness. The designations are listed in terms of increasing ripeness: Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, Trockenbeerenauslese.
The Mosel Saar Ruwer is perhaps the most important German wine region. Perhaps the two most important areas are located around the towns of Piesport and Bernkastel. The wines from PIesport are fragrant and honeyed. The wines from Bernkastel are also renowned for their complex, honeyed flavors, minerality and acidity. Some of the late harvest wines around Bernkastel are among the best dessert wines in the world. Both of these towns and the areas around them contribute numerous high quality vineyard sites to the German wine landscape.
Rheingau vineyards are south facing are prone to the botrytis rot, because of the mists produced by the river. Rheingau produces some of the finest dessert wines imaginable, but also producer some dry wines and everything in between that are of astonishing quality. Rheingau wines tend to taste of peaches and tangerines and tend to be fuller, in general, than their Mosel cousins. Much of the Rhein has marl in its soil which often contributes a richness and even spicy character to the wines.
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Bouquet reminiscent of blackberries, cherries and cinnamon. A powerful wine with a good structure, hearty but harmoniously balanced tannins and a long finish. Pairings: Drink slightly chilled. It makes an ideal patio wine and is an excellent companion with game and hearty dishes. Perfect also with old, ripened Gouda or young Parmesan.
There is richness in the beginning of this medium-bodied white, then a tart, drying acidity chokes the finish. Modest fruit. 500 cases made.
90 pts WS A racy style, with a creamy texture offsetting the tangy lime, peach and vanilla notes. This is delicate and harmonious, with a bright, focused finish. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases made.
This wine blends intense green apple and lime fruit aromas with scents of rock dust and petrol. It's medium-bodied and plump in texture, easily gliding along with flavors of apple seed oil, honey and ripe citrus, finishing soft, yet persistent.
This could well be called a Fitz-Ritter Signature wine . As all Gew\ufffdrztraminer fans know, finding a really fine one is rare, the reasons for this being that many vintners shy away from it as it is often quirky with low and irregular yields.Great gewurtz for those consumers looking for something outside of Alsace. Exaggerated floral aromas are typical, so are the lychee and spice flavors. There's a modest sweetness to this wine, so it should work well with spicy Asian foods.
91 Wine Spectator Well-spiced flavors of peach, apple and apricot flavors blend well. Vanilla, chocolate and cream notes chime in, with a long finish of glazed citrus and hints of tarragon.
This delicate, moderately light bodied Riesling with perfect sweetness has a tasteful, granny smith apple flavor that is crisp and lively. Perfect by itself or serve with mild cheeses, salads, shellfish and poultry.
91 pts - WS Red peach and spiced apple flavors are very rich and creamy. Lusciously juicy on the rich, plush finish. This mouthwatering Riesling offers plenty of brioche notes, too. Drink now through 2030. 30 cases imported.
Creamy tropical fruits including kiwi, passion fruit and lime. Rich with aromas of tropical melons and candied fruits. RP 89 pts. Scheurebe is the grape.
91 pts WS There's good intensity, yet this comes off as a little on the light side in terms of flavor. Peach, lime and slate notes mingle on the gossamer texture, and this lingers nicely. Drink now through 2028.
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