Monday 28 July 2014

Back to the Germans :)


I can’t believe I haven’t blogged for so long. Where the bloody hell has the time gone!
Well, mostly studying. Amongst what feels like a million other things.
China assignment for the WSET is almost 50% done and I feel like a bloomin’ Chinese economist now (albeit a rubbish one), although I’m not sure how much this will help me in my quest to have my own vineyard….
I have been helping out a little down at Eglantine Vineyard and Tony and Veronica as per usual have been patient and generous in letting me bumble around after them in the winery attempting to learn bits and pieces. They also paid me in mead which personally, was a highlight of my working career.
Great fun.

Anyway. As it is sweltering outside I have covered some beautifully delicious German wines, perfect for alfresco dining or to guzzle alone as you slowly fry yourselves silly.   The Germans appear to be as good at winemaking as they are at football. ALL of the wines I’ve recommended are dry, delicious and quaffable; just remember to open with friends as you WILL manage to sip away a bottle without meaning to.  
Spatburgunder – aka Pinot Noir. I took an example of this around to a mates for dinner a few weeks ago.  It was an absolute smash. I love this just as much as the Robert Oatley Pinot Noir from Australia I am always tweeting about – both come from cooler areas (even the Oz wine is at altitude so nice and cool) and are fruity, complex and elegant (translation: yummy).

Dry Riesling - Dr Loosen is a superstar when it comes to wine making and there is nothing of his that I have tried that I haven’t coveted afterwards.  Many of us shy away from the residual sugar in SOME (note: not all) German wines, but this is dry, floral, juicy and with heavenly minerality that is so typical of this grape, in this setting.

Villa Wolf Pinot Gris – I have been at a few tastings with this and it is always a resounding favourite. Refreshing, light but with lovely notes of stone fruits, melon, citrus…. mouthwatering. Perfect for sitting in the garden!

 
Enjoy!