Transcript Slide 1

German Wines
Wine Areas of Germany
Tonight's Journey
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Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: 32,000 acres where the Riesling is king
adorn the Mosel and its tributaries between Luxembourg and
Koblenz. There are four distinct regions: the Lower Mosel,
Middle (Mittel) Mosel, Saar and Ruwer. The variation in
microclimates makes it almost certain that superb wine will be
produced somewhere within the region in any given year. For
example, the Saar and Ruwer are higher and hence a little
cooler but excell it the 'hot' vintages. The combination of slate
and steep vineyards produce vibrant and elegant wines with a
fine acidity.
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Pfalz: Formerly known as the Rheinpfalz, this region has
59,000 acres under vines. Rich wines reflect the warm climate
of the south of Germany. The region, home of Saumagen,
(both the dish and vineyard) extends from Kirchheim-Bolanden
south to the Alsatian border. The northern half, the Mittelhardt
is the home of the most famous vineyards of the Pfalz.
However, the southern part, the Südliche Weinstrasse has
experienced a rebirth over the past thirty years. The most
southerly vineyard (Schweigener Sonnenberg) is actually in
France! The second largest Riesling area after Mosel-SaarRuwer.
Every thing you wanted to know about
German Wine but were afraid to ask!
• Grape varieties
• Overall nearly 135 grape varieties may be cultivated in
Germany - 100 are released for white wine production
and 35 for red wine production. According to the
international image, Germany is still regarded to be a
region for white wine production. Since the 1980s the
demand for German red wine has constantly increased
and this has resulted in a doubling of the vineyards
assigned for the production of red wine. Nowadays
nearly 35% of the vineyards are cultivated with red
grapes. Some of the red grapes are also used to
produce Rosé.
Type’s of Wine
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Riesling:The most important of the grape varieties grown in Germany. Produces wines ranging from bone
dry to unctuous and formidably concentrated. Many would call this the world’s premier white wine grape,
and the German expression of it the world's standard.
Silvaner:Dry neutral wines are produced from this low yielding grapes. One of the varieties that benefits
most from a drier style of wine making.
Müller-Thurgau:A wine whose heritage has long been thought to be Riesling and Silvaner but now is
believed to be a cross between two Riesling clones. As Hugh Johnson put it: 'Should be banned from all
the top vineyards'.
Ruländer:Known as the Pinot Gris or Tokay d'Alsace in France. Robust and flavorful, produces
heavyweight wines from the south of Germany.
Scheurebe:Probably the most successful Riesling and Silvaner cross. A "love it or leave it" varietal.
Weissburgunder:The Pinot Blanc of France. Seems to be making some strides although it still tends to
produce a rather dull wine.
Gewürztraminer:Spicy, aromatic and distinctive. You either love or hate this grape. The non-lovers should
be encouraged to try a Gewürz from the Pfalz or Baden as they are not quite so 'distinctive' as the classic
wines of Alsace.
Kerner:A modern precocious (early ripening) variety often used to improve the chances of producing
wines with a higher must weight. A cross between Trollinger and Riesling
Spätburgunder:The Pinot Noir of France. Produces light pale wines as vinification in oak is sufficient to
lose the Qualitätswein ranking. Has received more attention from importers, growers and the public over
the last few years.
Dornfelder:The 'new' red wine of Germany. Has an extraordinary depth of colour yet a fresh and fruity,
almost Beaujolais-like, taste. Fashionable and hence difficult to find.
Trollinger:A speciality of Württemberg. Late ripening an hence can be problematic in cool years
.Lemberger:Another red variety found predominantly in Württemberg. Probably not missed much
elsewhere.
Portugieser:Nothing to do with Portugal as it probably originates from the Danube valley in Austria. Light
wine that is easy drinking.
Classification
German wine classification is sometimes the source of confusion, especially to non-German speakers.
However, to those familiar with the terms used, a German wine label reveals much information about the quality
level and dryness/sweetness of the wine.
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Deutscher Tafelwein (German table wine) is mostly consumed in the country and not exported.
Deutscher Landwein (German country wine) comes from a larger designation and again doesn't play an
important role in the export market.
Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA) wines are simple wines that meet the first level of quality.
Prädikatswein, recently (August 1, 2007) renamed from Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) wines are of greater
quality. The grapes for these wines must meet a certain level of ripeness. As ripeness increases, the fruit
characteristics and price increase.
– Kabinett wines are made from grapes picked several days after the QbA grapes are picked. These are the
first picked grapes of the Prädikat level.
– Spätlese wines ("late harvest") are made from grapes harvested 12-14 days after the Kabinett grapes are
picked.
– Auslese wines ("select harvest") are made from grapes that have been hand-selected out from the other
grapes. These grapes are late-harvest and have a high sugar content.
– Beerenauslese wines ("berry selection") are made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than
the Auslese grapes. These grapes develop the fungus Botrytis, which removes the moisture from the grape.
Thus these wines are very sweet and make good dessert wines.
– Eiswein (ice wine) wine is made grapes that freeze naturally on the vine and reach a sweetness of
Beerenauslese level. The grapes are harvested and pressed in the frozen state. The ice keeps part of the
water isolated to achieve the high sugar content of these wines.
– Trockenbeerenauslese wines ("dry berries selection") are extremely sweet, concentrated and usually quite
expensive wines. The grapes used for Trockenbeerenauslese have reached an even more raisin-like state
than those used for Beerenauslese.
The Wine Label
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Explanation:
Producer: Weingut Hermann
Dönnhoff, at Oberhausen, using
the "Gutsabfüllung" category;
Grape variety: Riesling;
Quality/Ripeness level: QmP,
Auslese;
Dryness: no indication, thus
(medium-) sweet;
Alcohol: 9% vol;
Vintage: 1994;
Origin: Nahe region;
– single vineyard site: Oberhäuser
Brücke.
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AP-number: 775301002195;
– approved in 1995;
– running number 21
It’s Wine Time
Mosel
• Petals Riesling
• Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg Auslese
• Mueller Bereich Bernkastler QbA
• Dr. Heidemanns Bergweiler Riesling QbA
Pfalz
• Saint M Riesling 2006
PETALS
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Merchant Reviews
Mosel-Saar-Ruwar, Germany- Aromas
of peach give way to a well structured
palate of full of fruit. Crisp and fresh
with a pleasing finish.This wine pairs
well with chicken dishes and Asian
cuisine. {Crisp, Peach, Fresh Fruit}
Member Reviews: Average rating:
4.00 (1 ratings) Excellent with Dinner
By katiepeltier, January 02, 2008
This is probably the best Riesling for
the dollar. The wine was clean, smooth
and very light. It would be a great
bottle to serve in the summer and went
perfectly with the chicken I served for
dinner.
Winery: Petals
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Riesling
Region: Other Germany
Size: magnum
Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg
Auslese
Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg
Auslese
Winery: Mueller
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Riesling
Region: Other Germany
Size: 750 ml
• Merchant Reviews
Piesport, Mosel-SaarRuwer, GermanyProduced from very ripe
grapes grown in the
prestigious Mosel region,
this wine possesses a
wonderful bouquet of
fruits and well-defined,
vibrant flavors. It has a
finish which goes on and
on. Enjoy with fish, fruits,
or cheese. {Elegant,
Peach, Pear, Mediumbodied}
Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg
Auslese continued
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Member Reviews: Average rating: 4.25 (4 ratings)
A EXTREMELY PLEASANT WINE
By RFIGLIOZZI, January 17, 2003
IF YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE A FRIEND TO THE WORLD OF WINE, THIS AUSLESE IS A
GREAT CHOICE. IT IS SIMPLY DELICIOUS BY ITSELF OR AS AN AFTER DINNER
COMPANION TO DESERT. IT'S ON THE SWEET SIDE, BUT NOT CLOYING,AND IT IS NICELY
BALANCED. A GOOD EXAMPLE OF GERMAN VINICULTURE TRY IT.
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Is this really wine?
By Caldwell11966579, March 23, 2006
Tasty by all means, but $13 is a little too much for grape juice.
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Easy to drink!
By Pellegrino11400280, April 27, 2006
I really love this wine. It's great alone or with a light meal. Does anyone know of any domestic
wine similar to this riesling? I can't always find this one on a restaurant wine list.
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Totally Satisfying White!
By OAKNWINE, June 05, 2005
Excellent German white with an exquisite balance of sharp acidity and just the right level of
sweetness to offer a most refreshing drinking experience. The whole family enjoyed it. Could have
finished the whole bottle in one sitting if I hadn't restrained myself. Would recommend
unconditionally.
Mueller Bereich Bernkastler QbA
Mueller Bereich Bernkastler QbA
Winery: Mueller
Style: White Wine
Varietal: Riesling
Region: Other Germany
Size: 750 ml
Member Reviews:
Average rating: 4.00(1 ratings)
• Bright, Light, and Crisp
By Wine11425254, May 11,
2007
A wonderful, light crisp wine.
Full of fruit flavors with
wonderful acidity that keeps it
crisp and refreshing.
Wonderful Summer wine.
• Merchant Reviews
Bernkastel, Germany- A white
with a straw, ginger and lemon
nose. The subtle flavors are
not overpowered by, but
enhanced by the sweetness.
The wine is gentle on the
palate, but focused and long.
The finish remains clean and
fruity as it lingers through to
the end. Try with light fare.
{Fresh, Ginger, Lemon. Light to
Medium-bodied}
Saint M Riesling 2006
Saint M Riesling 2006
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winemaker's notes:
Chateau Ste. Michelle is proud to offer Saint
M, a German Riesling made by acclaimed
winemaker Ernst Loosen, owner of the Dr.
Loosen estate, which has a 200-year
tradition of producing Riesling in Germany's
Mosel region. With his modern world view
and his traditional approach to winemaking,
Ernst strives to produce wines that
unmistakably express the character of
Riesling and of the vineyards where they are
grown. Saint M represents a great value in
classic Riesling from the Pfalz region.
"The 2006 Saint M Riesling is clean and
crisp, with medium body and a well-defined,
delicate acid structure. It leans toward the
classic white peach and green apple flavors.
I am extremely happy with how pure and
clean it is. It's a very fun wine to drink!"
—Ernst Loosen, owner, Dr. Loosen Estate
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customer reviews:
number of reviews: 1
A Customer - Florida
The first time I tried this Dr. Loosen I was in
Sedona, AZ and loved this wine...in fact so
much that 3 weeks after our vacation was
over I called the restaurant in AZ and spoke
to the manager of the restaurant to ask the
name of the bottle of wine so I could find it to
order it was that good!