Riesling
A type of grape that, after the Müller Thurgau, is the one most often cultivated in Germany. The Riesling is the epitome of the German grape.
A perfect example of all what characterizes the particular nature of wine production in this country, and the founder and guardian of the legendary reputation of German white wine abroad. A small grape, late ripening. A green-yellowy wine colour, in the case of a Spätlese this green shade almost disappears.
Nose and taste: a huge, overwhelming bouquet, extremely fine, reminiscent of peaches - "Riesling bouquet" -, distinguished - spicy - fine - elegant - flowery - fruity - harmonious - wiry.
A fine acidic balance, lively, pleasant to powerfully acidic. It tastes best after two to five years and older. The Riesling Prädikat wines are among the best a grape can produce. It can be stored for decades without risk.
Pinot Blanc
The common name in Germany and Austria for the Pinot Blanc, and
one which experts assume was produced by a mutation from Pinot Gris.
Even though it is occasionally cultivated in Burgundy, the White
Burgundy is not the same grape variety of the outstanding white
Burgundies. These are in fact produced exclusively from the Chardonnay,
and for that reason they should not be confused with the White
Burgundy.
In contrast to the Grey Burgundy, the White Burgundy rightly enjoys
increasing popularity in Germany, which has meant that the growing area
devoted to this wine by now amounts to over 1,000 hectares, half of
which is located in Baden. The wines produced from this grape are
usually relatively neutral in their expression, whilst being fruity,
rich in body, balanced and combining a splendid elegance.
Pinot Gris
The description, increasingly common in Germany, for the Pinot Gris
which was described in earlier days as a Ruländer - although this is
rare today.
A change in the wine-Producing techniques of the wines produced from
this grape has occurred along with the change in name, thanks to which
today's wines from Kaiserstuhl, and also from other parts of Baden,
from Rheinhessen, the Palatinate are more lively, structured and
elegant than the offerings of the past.
In Wallis in Switzerland and the Valle d'Aosta in Italy, the Grey
Burgundy is called Malvoisie and in Alsace it is called Tokay d'Alsace.
Silvaner
Also spelled Sylvaner, variety of grape: produces a generally
pleasant, mild and charming white wine, but in good years and from
appropriate sites it can also be full-bodied. It ripens medium to late.
High yields, with a light green to golden yellow wine colour: gentle
bouquet, often neutral in flavour. In good years the Sylvaner wine can
deliver good body and be extremely sweet.
Medium acidic value and occasionally high in alcohol content.
Blending it with a Riesling produces a splendid, lively and full-bodied
wine. The Sylvaner keeps well, but pales beside the Riesling in this
respect.
Müller-Thurgau
An extremely popular and nowadays the most widely planted variety
of grape in Germany (23% of total vineyard area). In all probability it
is a crossing between the two varieties Riesling and Silvaner,
developed in 1882 in Geisenheim, Germany. This bright quality wine with
a fine nutty taste produces a youthful, sweet, light, full-bodied,
charming, well-balanced and flowery bouquet.
Morio-Muskat
Another white wine grape variety characterized by its very flowery and powerful nutty
bouquet, long-lasting flavor, moderate acidity and medium alcohol content.
