The Society s Germany Growers Walkaround tasting.

Transcription

1 The Society s Germany Growers Walkaround tasting. Known as the king of grapes, riesling is Germany s calling card, famous the world over for its natural sweetness underpinned by racy acidity and purity of fruit. With the 2015 vintage hailed as one of Germany s finest since 1975 or even the legendary 1971, we are delighted to be able to include many examples of this vintage from our current German range. The Society s sweetness code: White wines from bone dry [1] to lusciously sweet [9] = white wine = red wine S = screwcap closure MOSEL Together with its two small tributaries, the Saar and the Ruwer, the Mosel comprises one geographical entity as it meanders nearly 150 miles north-east towards the Rhine. Along the serpentine route of the Mosel, the river banks rise so sharply that the vineyards carpeting these slopes are among the steepest in the world, with some planted at an astounding 70 degree gradient. On these precipitous inclines, nearly all labour must be done by hand. That includes tying each vine to its own eight-foot wooden stake, and carrying up the slate soil that has washed down with the winter rains. Although each of the three river s vineyard areas produce a wine with its own distinctive personality, they share a family resemblance. These are the best low-alcohol wines in the world, with an extraordinary amount of fruit, character and elegance for only 7-9% alcohol. Weingut von Hövel Max von Kunow One of the Saar s long-established estates, von Hövel is of monastic origin. Most of their wines (100% riesling) come from the excellent Scharzhofberg and Oberemmeler Hütte vineyards, indeed they have sole ownership of the latter. The genial smiling figure of owner Eberhard von Kunow has long been a popular supplier of wine to The Society. His son, Max, who took over the reins with the 2010 vintage, is making wines a touch drier than his father, in line with modern taste, and is converting the vineyard to organic cultivation. 1. [3] Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Kabinett, von Hövel 2015 A full-flavoured riesling from a famous Saar vineyard that is known as the hat or Hütte. There is plenty of weight here and concentration as well, with flavours of blackcurrant and plum. Delicious. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 192 dozen 2. [6] Scharzhofberg Riesling Auslese, von Hövel 2015 Fine, racy, fruity riesling from the Saar. This is sweet but fresh tasting and an absolute delight. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 420 dozen

2 One of the most ancient German grape varieties, high-quality riesling is generally low in alcohol and high in acidity and extract there is rarely any shortage of flavour and aroma. Riesling is an excellent medium for communicating the variations of terroir, be it limestone, granite or marl soils, coupled with the altitude and expositions of the sites. It is because of this that it is very difficult to generalise about the variety s aromas and general character; the wines can be floral, fruity, mineral and spicy. Riesling also makes some of the longest-lived wines in the world. JJ Prüm There are several Prüms in the Mosel, but the premier exponent of the region s wines is undoubtedly JJ Prüm, a legendary family estate which can trace its involvement in viticulture back several centuries. The incumbent proprietor, Dr. Manfred Prüm, has been in charge since 1969 and under his supervision the family name has come into its own. Eldest daughter, Katharina, joined her father at the estate in 2003 after completing studies in law and has become an accomplished winemaker and charming ambassador in addition to her other achievements. 3. [4] Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, JJ Prüm 2015 Delicately scented, featherweight riesling from one of Germany s very finest producers. Perfect as a stylish aperitif. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 192 dozen For tasting only Riesling is king in the Mosel with all 14.5 hectares of the Prüm s steeply sloping land planted with this most noble variety. The heart of the estate is the famous Sonnenuhr vineyard perched over the river opposite the village of Wehlen, one of Germany s great sites, producing riesling of breathtaking quality. Indeed the wines of Prüm are synonymous with this great vineyard. Neighbouring Graacher Himmelreich and Bernkasteler Lay are two other notable vineyards where JJ Prüm has large stakes. 4. [4] Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett JJ Prüm 2012 A beautifully clear, filigree riesling that dances on the palate with gentle charm and lovely balance. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 216 dozen

3 Traditionally quality wines in Germany have been labelled Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein although this system is now used more for sweeter wines. Here quality is dependent on two factors: the ripeness/quality of the grapes and regional specificity. The Prädikatswein classification is based on the ripeness of the grapes when they are harvested the sweeter the grape, the higher the potential alcohol and/or sweetness in the wine. Kabinett is the lightest style of riesling, made from grapes that have a sweetness level of Oechsle ( g/l sugar). Kabinett wines range in style from dry to off-dry. Spätlese means late harvest. These grapes have a sweetness level of Oechsle ( g/l sugar). Spätlese wines are rich and usually sweeter than Kabinett. Auslese means select harvest, and the grapes are picked at Oechsle ( g/l sugar) where the grapes are handselected and are often affected by noble rot. Beerenauslese means berry select harvest. These wines are rare because the grapes are raisined and affected by noble rot. They are picked at Oechsle (260+ g/l sugar). Trockenbeerenauslese means dry berry select harvest. The rarest wine of the group this is made from raisined, late-harvested grapes picked at Oechsle. 5. [5] Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese, JJ Prüm 2012 A heavenly, wildflower fragrance is backed up by a racy, structured and sensuous palate. This has excellent keeping potential so, though lovely already, is best kept for five years (and it will easily last 30). Drink now to % ref GE bottle 288 dozen Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Philipp Edel Situated on the left bank of the Ruwer river, around two kilometres from where it meets the Mosel, the von Schubert estate is steeped in history, with archaeological artefacts suggesting that wine has been made here since the Roman times. However, it is more notably influenced by the order of Benedictine monks from the monastery of Saint Maximin in Trier, who owned it from the 10th to 18th century. Like its current owner Dr. Carl von Schubert, whose family bought it in the 19th century and has lived here ever since the monks cultivated the vines in three distinct but contiguous vineyards, Abstberg, Herrenberg and Bruderberg. The best of these is thought to be Abstberg, so called because its wines were served exclusively to the Abbot (or Abt ), whereas Herrenberg was reserved for the monks and Bruderberg for the lay brothers. Although Bruderberg has historically been the least favoured of the vineyards, climate change has played its part, and some feel it will soon be the best of the three. 6. [4] Maximin Grünhäuser Bruderberg Riesling, von Schubert 2015 The small part of the Grünhaus vineyard once reserved for the lay brothers has been making increasingly excellent wine. The 2015 vintage is wonderful with crystalline purity. A sheer delight. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 167 dozen Low Stock

4 The von Schubert labels contain references to the family s historical achievements, such as a steam horse with a sword between its front hooves, which refers to its founding of the first railway engineer regiment, and a cog and miner s lamp as a reference to family achievements in the mining and steelwork industry. 7. [4] Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett, von Schubert 2015 Traditionally the local abbot owned the heart of the best bit of the great Grünhaus vineyard and its wine always has a distinctive haunting fragrance enhanced by the use of wild yeasts special to the estate. Outstanding in Drink now to % ref GE bottle 222 dozen Abstberg s 14 hectares are on south-east to south-west-facing slopes of blue Devonian slate, and its wines tend to have racy acidity, subtle minerality, great delicacy and impressive ageing potential. 8. [8] Maximiner Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Auslese #24, von Schubert 2015 The von Schubert estate has really lived up to its reputation in This is a single cask of Auslese riesling, made with about 20% of noble-rot-affected fruit. The resultant wine is a delight: very refined, concentrated and long. Drink from 2019 to % ref GE bottle 528 dozen Very low stock sales limited to 3 bottles maximum per member Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Mona Loch The von Kesselstatt estate, dating back to 1349, owns the finest spectrum of sites in the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer valleys. In 1978 the Reh family acquired the estate from the Reichsgrafen (imperial counts) of Kesselstatt. Annagret Reh-Gartner, a great and true friend of the Society who died in October 2016, was at the helm of the business, supported by her husband Gerhard, and was a welcome and regular presence at Society tastings. The 36 hectares of estate-owned vineyards are planted exclusively with riesling on steep, stony soils where the warmth is maintained in the marginal German climate. Leading holdings include Scharzhofberger in the Saar, Kaseler Nies chen in the Ruwer and Josephshöfer and Piesporter Goldtröpfchen in the Mosel. These are wines characterised by clean, ripe fruit, impressive balance of acidity and minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Fittingly, the wines are fermented with natural yeasts adding to their individuality and fragrance and kept on lees for extended ageing. 9. [1] RK Riesling Dry, Von Kesselstatt 2016 Impeccable dry and delicate German riesling from top vineyards along the Saar and an outstanding producer. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 126 dozen 10. [3] The Society s Saar Riesling 2015 A fresh sappy riesling from the outstanding 2015 vintage. This comes predominantly from von Kesselstatt s holdings in the villages of Nierdermennig, Oberemmel and Wiltingen. Ripe tasting with a long finish. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 119 dozen

5 The 2015 vintage is being hailed as an outstanding vintage. Country-wide there was a welcome absence of the usual vine afflictions of poor flowering, frost, hail, mildew or rot. After an exceptionally hot and dry summer the vines were saved by rain, which was necessary to ripen the grapes, in August. This perfectly suited late-ripening varieties like riesling which benefitted from the sunny weather at the beginning of October. The long, dry summer does mean that quantities will be lower than usual, and the grapes tend to have higher sugar levels, which translates to higher alcohol in those wines fermented dry. However riesling especially looks set to shine with wines already displaying lovely balance and complexity. 11. [4] Kaseler Nies chen Riesling Kabinett, von Kesselstatt 2015 Exquisite riesling from the steep Nies chen slope that overlooks the pretty village of Kasel. This is an ethereal wine with enchanting, complex flavours of apricot and peach with a twist of lemon and red fruit. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 167 dozen Mittelrhein The Mittelrhein is made up of the stretch of the Rhine Valley between Bonn and Bingen known as the Rhine Gorge. Beginning just below Bonn and extending about 60 miles south along the banks of the Rhine, the Mittelrhein is a beautiful region of steep, terraced vineyards and some of the wine world s most splendid scenery. Around three quarters of the vineyards are planted with riesling: the clay/slate soil yielding lively wines with pronounced acidity. Weingut Toni Jost Cecilia Jost This family estate is run by Peter Jost, who took over from his father Toni in He chose to continue the company in his father s name, although previously it had been renamed as each generation of the family took the reins. Peter was joined by his daughter Cecilia in 2009, making her the sixth generation of the family to be involved, and the estate continues to go from strength to strength. It is based in Bacharach, in the south of the Mittelrhein region, and the family has been growing grapes here for 180 years. Peter and Cecilia currently own 15 hectares of vines, which include most of the outstanding Hahn vineyard on the banks of the Rhine, with its steep slopes of dark slate soil. It is mostly planted with riesling, but there is also some spätburgunder closer to the bottom of the vineyard, as well as small amounts of weissburgunder and dunkelfelder. It is protected from the wind by the surrounding hills and the river reflects and intensifies the sun s rays. 12. [1] Riesling, Devon S, Toni Jost 2015 Bone-dry riesling, beautifully etched from Devonian slate soils up a narrow valley behind the pretty town of Bacharach. With brilliant fruit quality, this wine is clean and flinty with a very long finish. It will age well too. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 167 dozen

6 Soil is made up of weathered rocks and consists of mineral particles, organic matter, air and water. The role it plays is vital in both anchoring the vine and providing it with the nutrients and water it needs to survive. The combination of soils and sub-soils, their ability to retain water, PH levels, and organic content, coupled with climatic factors are major constituents of the concept of terroir, which in turn influences wine quality. 13. [1] Weissburgunder, Toni Jost 2015 A fabulous pinot blanc made from Rheingau fruit and aged in large oak barrels for greater complexity. Ripe tasting and fruity with depth, this wine oozes charm. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 143 dozen 14. [8] Bacharacher Hahn Riesling Auslese, Mittelrhein Toni Jost 2015 Very peachy, apricot sweet riesling of outstanding purity and intensity of fruit. Magical crystalline quality here. Drink now to % ref GE cl bottle 270 dozen Available end of August Rheingau When the Rhine hit the Taunus mountains it turned west, creating many sunny south-facing slopes on the north bank, now the great vineyards of the Rheingau. Early on, its medieval ecclesiastical and aristocratic wine-growers were associated with the riesling grape and, in the 18th century, were credited for recognising the value of harvesting the crop at various stages of ripeness from which the German quality system evolved. Queen Victoria s enthusiasm for Hochheim s wines contributed to their popularity in England, where they, and ultimately, Rhine wines in general were referred to as Hock. Wines from the Rheingau can be extraordinary, both full-bodied and racy, invigorating, and long lived. Most are now dry. Langwerth von Simmern Andrea von Simmern Baroness Andrea von Simmern and her husband Baron Georg are the current custodians of the Langwerth von Simmern family heritage, which dates back to a grant of vineyards by the local duke in They run this beautiful estate, where an English garden is enclosed by medieval buildings, with a sense of tradition very much married to modernity. 95% of the family s vineyard holdings are in grand cru sites taking in the Hattenheimer crus of Mannberg, Nussbrunnen and Wisselbrunnen, the Erbacher Marcobrunn and the Rauenthaler Baiken and Rothenberg. Soils are a mixture of loess with limestone, sandy clay and some slate. The wines, the vast majority and the best of which are riesling, are fermented in stainless steel before spending time in 1,200-litre oak casks prior to bottling. The ornate labels show the medieval coat of arms of the family, an echo of the lineage that runs as deep as the roots of their vines into the history of the region. 15. [4] Erbacher Marcobrunn Kabinett, Langwerth von Simmern 2015 Proper Rheingau riesling with a full, rounded palate offering delightful flavours of spice and citrus peel. The 2015 is rich tasting without ever losing any delicacy. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 150 dozen

7 16. [5] Hattenheimer Mannberg Spätlese, von Simmern 2015 Glorious Rhine riesling that seems to embody the very essence of 2015 s golden October. Rich with citrus and peach flavours, this is full-bodied yet lightning fresh and will need time to come round. Drink from 2019 to % ref GE bottle 179 dozen 17. [6] Erbacher Marcobrunn Auslese, von Simmern 2002 A lovely Rhine riesling, which would be perfectly suited perhaps to after-dinner or contemplative drinking. Gentle, peachy and round with perfectly integrated sweetness. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 372 dozen Rheinhessen The Rheinhessen, Germany s largest wine region, lies in a valley of gentle rolling hills. Here vines are but one of many crops that share the fertile soils of this region s vast farmlands. Steep vineyard sites are confined to small areas near Bingen and south of Mainz along the Rhein Terrasse, and varied soils and the favorable climate make it possible to grow many grape varieties. Rheinhessen wines are often characterized as being soft, fragrant, mediumbodied and mild in acidity pleasant, easy-to-drink wines. There are also wines of great class and elegance, with a depth and complexity second to none. Louis Guntrum Kate Dowdswell The Louis Guntrum who founded this property in the 17th century was a French Huguenot who fled France to escape Catholic oppression and settled in Benzheim. Guntrum subsequently crossed the river to Nierstein and bought vines in the Nierstein Pettenthal and Hipping vineyards, which in hot years make finer wine than their more famous vines in Nierstein Orbel and Oelberg. Today, the company is run by the 11th generation, Louis Konstantin Guntrum. The Nierstein Pettenthal vineyard is part of the Rhein-Terrasse the steep, south-east-facing vineyards planted on red sandstone on the banks of the Rhine, which are considered by some to be ranked among the finest vineyards in Germany. Only traditional grapes are grown, such as riesling, silvaner, spätburgunder (pinot noir) and gewürztraminer. Much of the steeper vines are hand-picked to ensure only the best fruit is selected, but the property also uses machine-harvesting in some of its less difficult vineyard sites. The cellars, built by the 8th generation of the family in 1923, are on the bank of the Rhine between Oppenheimer and Nierstein. Wines are fermented in stainless-steel tanks, with no oak used in order to retain their natural fresh fruit character. 18. [2] Louis Guntrum Dry Riesling 2016 Impeccable dry German riesling from grapes grown in Nierstein in the Rhine Valley. A good match with sushi or stir-fry. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 107 dozen

8 19. [4] Nierstein Bergkirche, Riesling Kabinett, Louis Guntrum 2015 A lovely peachy, exotic-tasting riesling from the magnificent 2015 vintage. Lovely on its own or with cold meats. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 138 dozen 20. [7] Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Auslese, Louis Guntrum 2015 A gorgeous, creamy-textured riesling from an outstanding vineyard overlooking the Rhine. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 384 dozen The Hipping vineyard is located in an exposed position on the Roter Hang where the southeast facing slope and south-facing slope meet. Its position in the Rotliegend rock strata between Brudersberg and Oelberg is significant and unites several outstanding preconditions for vines. The warmth of a broad lake-like section of the Rhine and intense sun exposure in a steep yet protected red shale site allows the riesling grapes to develop intense aromas and flavours. 21. Dornfelder Trocken, Louis Guntrum 2015 Round tasting, deeply-coloured and fruity red from this characteristic German grape variety. Dark berry fruit with a touch of raspberry. Drink this cellar cool with charcuterie. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 119 dozen Nahe The Nahe region is named after the river that traverses the valleys of the forested Hunsrück Hills as it flows toward Bingen on the Rhine. Although the Nahe is one of the smaller German wine regions, it has an extraordinary range of soil types and it is for this reason, the region is able to produce quite diverse wines from relatively few grape varieties. The steeper sites of volcanic or weathered stone and those with red, clayish slate seem predestined for elegant, piquant rieslings of great finesse and a light spiciness. Weingut Dönnhoff Helmut Dönnhoff, born in 1949, married to Gaby, has established himself as the finest grower in the Nahe, itself a dynamic vineyard region. The family established a modest farm here 200 years ago. However it was in 1971 that Helmut began making wine and continued to purchase top vineyard sites like Kirschheck (cherry hedge), Dellchen (little dell) and more recently Kreuznache Krötenpfuhl (little frog pond) to add to his holdings which included Oberhauser Brucke (bridge), Leistenberg (slate hill) and Felsenberg (rock hill). 22. [1] Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Dry, Dönnhoff 2015 From one of Germany s top producers, this wine comes from a vineyard that is not especially steep but well-sited and well-suited to make very fine dry riesling. This delicious 2015 has mellow flavours of plum, apple blossom and citrus. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 270 dozen

9 23. [4] Oberhauser Brücke Riesling Spätlese, Dönnhoff 2015 Brücke, the smallest vineyard site of the Nahe, with a mix of soils including grey slate and clay, has its own microclimate where the fruit ripens late but produces wine of great fruit and depth of flavour. A complex, beautiful wine in Drink now to % ref GE bottle 384 dozen Baden Baden is the southernmost of Germany s wine regions. It is primarily a long, slim strip of vineyards nestled between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River, extending some 240 miles from north to south. Comprised of nine districts, Baden has many soil types and grape varieties. Nearly half of the vineyards are planted with burgunder (pinot) varieties. Weingut Bercher The Bercher family own 42 hectares on the volcanic slopes of the Kaiserstuhl in south-west Baden that is widely regarded as the best vineyard area in this part of Germany. With a history dating back nearly 600 years the Berchers family business is now run by the 9th and 10th generations, operating from a lovely property built in Their holdings on four different parts of the Kaiserstuhl make them the second biggest privately owned producer in the area, but they are committed to high-quality wine production. They have vines in four vineyard sites, Burkheimer Feuerberg, Burkheimer Schlossgarten, Jechtinger Eichert and Sasbacher Limburg, each with a unique terroir of volcanic soils except for the Schlossgarten with its soils of sandy-clay. They also have an eclectic portfolio of grape varieties including pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, chenin blanc, scheurebe, riesling, muscat and chardonnay, not to mention orchards from which they make their own range of eaux de vie. 24. [1] Weissburgunder Burkheimer, Bercher 2015 Full-flavoured pinot blanc from volcanic soils. This comes from the ancient Kaiserstuhl volcano in Baden and has the weight and concentration which come from a top vintage, yet there is freshness and finesse too. This would go well with charcuterie or white meats. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 162 dozen The most basic element of food and wine pairing is the understanding of the balance between the weight of the food and the weight (or body) of the wine. Coming from a top vintage such as 2015 the weissburgunder above has the creamy texture and flavour profile to work with white meats, but also the weight and the acidity to cut through the fattiness of charcuterie. 25. [2] Chardonnay, Baden, Bercher 2015 The Bercher Estate in Germany s Kaiserstuhl made exceptional wines in This fullflavoured chardonnay from the Kaiserstuhl hills in Baden and this top grower shows what heights the grape can reach given the right conditions and is utterly delicious. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 300 dozen

10 Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Tom Benns The reputation of this famous estate was made in the 20th century by the formidable Dr. Bürklin-Wolf with his great sweet wines. Under his daughter Bettina s guidance all the wines are now fully fermented and are dry, and the vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, without herbicides or pesticides. Bürklin-Wolf s greatest and longest living wines come from their splendid holdings in the Forst, Pechstein, Kirchenstück, Jesuitengarten, Ungeheuer vineyards with each producing riesling of remarkable individuality, reflecting their different soils of volcanic basalt. 26. [1] Riesling Trocken, Bürklin-Wolf 2016 Impeccable dry riesling, this is clean-cut, steely and crisp with a touch of spice and lovely depth of fruit. Perfect with or without food. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 131 dozen 27. [1] Forster Pechstein Riesling Trocken, Bürklin-Wolf 2012 Superb dry riesling with great elegance, structure and length of flavour from an unusually small vintage. There is a touch of citrus and white pepper and mineral fruit appearing on the palate, but this is a wine which needs five years to reveal all its many facets and has great keeping potential. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 408 dozen Because of its firm acid structure, riesling can age longer than most other wines, red or white. They will generally reach their peak of maturity within 15 to 20 years, but properly stored, they will stay at their peak for decades before starting a long, gradual decline. When young the emphasis is firmly on bright, primary fruit flavours, however with age the sugars and acids in the wine become more integrated, making the wines appear fuller and richer. Minerality comes to the fore with flavours of toast, honey, smoke and with extreme age rieslings can take on the subtle, earthy aroma of a forest floor the smell of moss, wet leaves and fresh mushrooms that the French call sous bois, or firne in German. 28. [1] Deidesheimer Riesling, Bürklin-Wolf 2015 Excellent, full-flavoured, characterful riesling, which is quite dry on the palate and imbued with extra concentration in the splendid 2015 vintage. All Bürklin wines are cultivated biodynamically and this seems to add to their personality. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 162 dozen Weingut Schloss Neuweier Robert Schätzle Experience at Fritz Keller and Neger in Baden, at Château La Tour de By in Bordeaux and at Zind-Humbrecht and Marc Kreydenweiss just across the border in Alsace, have obviously stood Robert Schätzle in excellent stead. All that he has learned on his travels informs the winemaking at his own estate at Schloss Neuweier in Baden-Baden. Robert grew up on the famous Kaiserstühl hills further south in Baden, scion of a winemaking family with a long history in the region. The Schloss Neuweier estate had been owned by Gisela Joos who re-established its reputation with a raft of improvements upon which she spent a vast sum of money before selling it to Robert as recently as He has maintained the upward curve in quality. He now owns a vineyard with a grape growing history going back to the 12th century and a

11 castle which is only a little less old. He cultivates riesling (80% of his vines), pinot noir, gewürztraminer and a little chardonnay and sauvignon blanc on some 15 hectares in a number of vineyard sites including Schlossberg, which is a monopole planted solely to riesling close to the winery, the Goldener Loch (which is a grosse lage, or grand cru, site in the region), Mauerberg and Heiligenstein. The soils are uniformly a mix of weathered porphyry and granite from the foothills of the Black Forest upon which they sit. 29. [2] Neuweierer Riesling Alte Reben Schloss Neuweier 2016 Fresh, bone-dry and appetising riesling packed with aroma and flavour from old vines grown on weathered granite soil just south of Baden-Baden. Great value for this quality. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 107 dozen 30. [2] Schloss Neuweier Goldenes Loch 2014 An outstanding fully dry riesling from a top estate in northern Baden. Granite soils produce wines that have both delicacy and power and this would stand up to the best Grand Cru wines from Alsace. Drink now to % ref GE bottle 252 dozen 31. [2] Weissburgunder, Schloss Neuweier 2015 Full-flavoured pinot blanc from the northern part of Baden. There is a lot of extract here, reflecting both the vintage and the site it comes from. A perfect food-friendly white that would go well with pork or poultry. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 131 dozen In the right hands pinot blanc offers a happy balance between refreshment and opulence. In Germany the variety is known as weissburgunder and it is the country s fifth most planted white grape variety. Baden has the most vineyard planted to weissburgunder, followed by the Pfalz and the Rheinhessen, where it thrives in the deep, warm soils. Württemburg Situated to the east of the Rhine and Baden, between the Tauber Valley and the foothills of the Swabian Jura, the vineyards of Württemberg are located primarily along the valleys of the Neckar River and its tributaries, the Enz and the Rems, north and east of Stuttgart. With more than half of its vineyards planted with red wine varieties, Württemberg ranks as Germany s premier red wine region with spätburgunder accounting for 10.3% of the vineyard area in the region. Weingut Gerhard Aldinger In 1492 Bentz der Aldinger arrived in the town of Fellbach with the intention of growing grapes and in so doing he established the region s oldest wine estate. These days Gert Joachim Aldinger is in charge, ably assisted by the next generation in the form of his sons Hansjörg and Matthias. The family own 29 hectares of vineyards in the country around Fellbach, just to the east of Stuttgart in Württemburg, including some of the most prestigious sites in the region. They make excellent rieslings but also produce equally compelling red wines from pinot noir, trollinger, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot meunier and lemberger among others.

12 32. [2] Untertürkheimer Gips Riesling, Aldinger 2015 A full-flavoured riesling from the Neckar valley with lovely, ripe flavours and a touch of citrus on the palate. Drink now to % S ref GE bottle 174 dozen 33. Untertürkheimer Gips Spätburgunder, Aldinger 2015 Delicious, fragrant and savoury, this is a lovely example of German pinot noir that caresses and refreshes the palate. The vineyard in the Neckar valley outside Stuttgart takes its name from the gypsum in the soil is a stunning vintage for German pinot. Drink this year and next. 12.5% ref GE bottle 234 dozen Pinot noir, called spätburgunder in Germany, undergoes a pre-fermentation maceration before natural yeasts begin the fermentation in barriques for Grosses Gewachs wines. This additional level of classification called VDP ( Verband deutscher Prädikatsweingüter ) is based on where the wines are grown a regional designation similar to Burgundy. Grosses Gewachs meaning great growth indicate the highest quality regional designation that is typically associated with a single vineyard or small grape growing area.