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A Tour Of German Rieslings Including A Beerenauslesen
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A Tour Of German Rieslings Including A Beerenauslesen
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Thursday, June 28, 2007 |
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Speaker: Valerie Lynch, East Coast Sales, Winesellers LTD
The origin of viticulture in Germany can be traced back to the Romans, during the first century. The vine advanced further in the middle ages, mainly through the church. The planting of vines reached a high point in the 15th century, when the area under vine was four times larger than today. A serious crisis developed in the 17th century when the prices fell, due to overproduction and the competition of beer. Riesling replaced lesser varieties, often by decree from political and clerical authorities. In 1720, the first monoculture of Riesling was planted by Schoss Johannesberg. In the 19th century, most of the Churches wine estates have been secularized. Since then there has been constant progress and development on quality. Germany now has nearly 100,000 hectares (240,000 acres) of vineyard. About 87% of this area is planted in white grape varieties; only 13% in red grape varieties. Germany produces the loveliest, lightest, most delicate white wines in the world. Low in alcohol and exquisitely balanced, they are wines of charm and have subtle nuances. Still to this day, German wine differs from wines of other countries, which stems from the many soil types and grape varieties- there is no “uniform “ type or style of German wine and this diversity is reflected in Germany’s 13 wine-growing regions. We enjoyed learning about the soil makeup, location of the vineyard for the three major regions and tasting their wines. Prices are full mark-up retail price. Attendees were asked to vote for their three favorite whites. Dr Pauly- Bergweiler Wehlener Sonnenhur Riesling Spatlese 2005 from the Mosel was the favorite, followed by Fritz-Ritter Gewurtzraminer Spatlese 2005 from the Phalz and Georg Albrecht Schneider Niersteiner Paterburg Riesling Kabinett 2005 from Rheinhessen was third.
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| Mosel |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Rudolf Muller Bishop of Riesling 2005
The Wine Cellar Rudolf Muller is one of the most traditional and respected wine producers in the Mosel Valley. The philosophy is Quality, Continuity, Solidity and Innovation, and producing affordable wines. Delicate. Mineral. 8% alcohol. Only stainless steel tanks. |
0 |
$10.99 |
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Rudolf Muller Riesling Kabinett 2005
Golden Apple and raison and cinnamon nose and on palate. Only stainless steel tanks. |
7 |
$11.99 |
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Rudolf Muller Riesling Spatlese 2005
Late Harvest. More complex, lovely. |
1 |
$12.99 |
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Rudolf Muller Riesling Auslese 2005
Hand selected grapes. Honey, cinnamon, nutmeg in nose, ripe fruit, long finish. |
7 |
$14.99 |
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Dr H Thanisch Riesling Classic (International Dry) 2006
Very dry. Mineral. Slate. Truffles, Austere. This wine was developed for the International clients; not the Germans. |
3 |
$15.99 |
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Dr Pauly - Bergweiler Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2003
The vineyards are mainly planted on difficult to grow river valley hill sides with late maturing Riesling grapes which place high demands on their location. Apricot, big nose, big fruit. Lovely. |
8 |
$21.99 |
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Dr Pauly - Bergweiler Wehlener Sonnenhur Riesling Spatlese 2005
Baked apple, cinnamon, sun dried golden raisons. Lovely, balanced fruit. Long finish. Delicious. The favorite of the tasting.
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15 |
$29.99 |
| Phalz |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Fritz-Ritter Gewurtzraminer Spatlese 2005
Light. Almond, rose petals, flowery perfume in nose and on palate. Some spice. Placed second in this tasting. |
11 |
$16.99 |
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Fritz-Ritter Sekt NV
Blend of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. A pleasant, light sparkling wine, made in the Methode-Champenoise.
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4 |
$16.99 |
| Rheingau |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Graf von Schoenborn Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2004
The roots of the Schoenborn family can be trace back to the crusades and the first mention of viticulture in 1349.A total of 59 hectars of vineyards are cultivated today and the yields are kept low, resulting in wines of good concentration and stable structure. The wines are aged in old oak casks. Elegant, refined, spicy, fruity, good acidity.
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7 |
$19.99 |
| Rheinhessen |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Georg Albrecht Schneider Niersteiner Paterburg Riesling Kabinett 2005
Red sandstone soil. Cold temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats. Soft, fragrant, peaches, exotic fruits. Lovely. Placed third in this tasting. |
10 |
$13.99 |
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Franz Karl Schmitt Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling Beerenauslese 2003
The Riesling vines are planted in red sandstone on the steep slopes facing the Rhine. Exotic fruit, berry, sweet, great with dessert.
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8 |
1/2 bottle
$50.00 |
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