I recently hosted an event that was ostensibly a German Riesling 101 for some folks. It was towards the end, as I was starting to put glasses back into their racks, that a ladys comment summed up the whole evening. Wow, knowing how to decipher just a few of a labels terms really makes German wines so much less complicated than I thought they were, she said. And she was totally right! I immediately decided to try to make things less complicated for a broader audience in this weeks column.
Most importantly, German wines are all about regionality and ripeness. In saying that, words in italics are key terms to pay attention to. Here are six bottles worthy of your time.
Schiefer Gymnasium Riesling | Mosel, Germany | $20 | BC Liquor Stores
This ones from the Mosel region which is also Germanys coolest growing area. Rieslings here are amongst the countrys most crisp and delicate, often with flavours of apple and floral characteristics.
Gruen Riesling | Rheingau, Germany | $22-ish | Private Wine Stores
The Rheingau region is warmer than the Mosel, with slate-driven soils that offer great minerality. Wines around here are often a little more powerful and sturdy. Citrusy intensity is common.
Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling | Pfalz, Germany | $18.99 | BC Liquor Stores
The Pfalz region is even warmer, often offering more generous fruit on the palate. With a greater variety of microclimates and soils, a wide array of styles are found, but the area is often known for styles that are quite dry.
Moselland Kabinett Riesling | Mosel, Germany | $13.99 | BC Liquor Stores
The Prädikat system categorizes wines based on how ripe they were at harvest. The later grapes are picked, the riper theyll be, which will most often translate to more sweetness and alcohol. Kabinett is the first level in the hierarchy, meaning these are the driest wines. The ones from the Mosel, so we know to expect a slightly more delicate style as well.
Schmitt Niersteiner Spätlese Riesling | Rheinhessen, Germany | $13.99 | BC Liquor Stores
Spätlese literally means late harvest, and this is the second tier of ripeness. Expect some slight honeyed notes with gently carmelized edges, but still lively acidity keeping everything balanced.
Dr Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese | Mosel, Germany | $57.95 | BC Liquor Stores
One more step up the ladder are Auslese wines, which are where youll start to get into more of a rich wine, full of stewed stonefruit with even more of those honeyed notes. Youll notice that this is also where the prices start climbing their own ladder!
Of course, theres so much more to German wine, with many more regions and higher levels on the ripeness scale. But for now, grab a couple styles that may appeal, order in some Thai food, and have fun exploring the wonderful world of German Riesling!
As always, if youre having trouble tracking something down, find me via KurtisKolt.com or Tweet me @KurtisKolt.
