German Spatlese Rieslings

German Spatlese Rieslings – Episode #526

August 25, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk goes through 3 German Rieslings that have a little sugar in them, these sweeter Rieslings are not to be taken lightly!

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Comments on this episode(203) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Konvikt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Auslese 1971, first auslese i’…” by richardvinifera
“[...] 2. Dialogue with a bottle of riesling. [...]…” by A Common Touch, Uncommon Appeal – The Pour Blog – NYTimes.com
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Dr Karl Christoffel Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling SpatleseGerman Riesling
2006 Monchhof Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese RieslingGerman Riesling
2006 Robert Weil Kiedricher Turmberg Spatlese RieslingGerman Riesling

203 Responses

August 25, 2008

Marc
Wow..is it possible? #1??
August 25, 2008

The Adam Bomb
2
August 25, 2008

Chalz
I was robbed, the “leave a comment” link was not there when I logged on, I should have been first. Not whining, just saying.
August 25, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: St. Urbans 2006–not bad for the QPR. Loved the Monchoff, Hexamer and Christoffel–it’s a toss-up between the Trocken and Spatlese. Love them all.
August 25, 2008

junior_lurker
that little back and forth between you and the weil made my day. keep em coming GV
August 25, 2008

*/^_^\*
it is game week for college football

whoop!
August 25, 2008

Susan
Chalz- That SAME thing has happened to me about 100 times……….Not sure why it does that!!!! VERY frustrating………………………
August 25, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott, VERY weird that you would pick German Riesling…….Just bought one a few days ago……..
hum……..GREAT minds think alike!!!!
August 25, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott, Za Germanz dey zike di green bottlez dontz dey, yah??
August 25, 2008

Rick M
Gary, I know you are all about trying different things but $60 sweet Rieslings are not even on my list. I’ll stick to my dry cabs/shiraz and try an occasional fruit bomb if i feel the need to stretch my pallet.
August 25, 2008

dmg
QOTD: 2003 Langwerth Von Simmern

top 10?
August 25, 2008

Yvette W
Ahh, Rieslings, my favorite type of wine.

QOTD: I had a spatlese the last time, forgot the producer, but man did it have some apple flavor to it. Lots of peaches too, but mostly apple flavor.

Another great show Gary!
August 25, 2008

Kyle
Dr. Schraffel Waffle? Funny names here
August 25, 2008

Tom T.
Hey Gary! I’ve been drinking the Dr. Karl Christoffel wines and love them. Nice ep!
August 25, 2008

Dan Mc
QOTD: Just had a 2005 Dr. Thanisch Bernkastel Doctor Spatlese last night! Very good but lacking on the finish and complexity for the price point. Big riesling fan. I have 4 bottles of JJ Prum Graacher Auslese 05 tucked away (yay)!
August 25, 2008

holgi
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Spätlese Trocken 2004
August 25, 2008

Glen.... (winecrazy.com)
No German wine….

Or at least I can’t rememeber….lol That’s how long it’s been.

I’m waiting for you to have a German wine tasting at the store.
August 25, 2008

astropress
just last night had a german reisling called “Balance” with a terrible label, and I forgot the producer name. i’m bad about that. about $18, and it was quite nice with the thai food. like a meyer lemon tart, it was.

recently had a 2003 selbach-oster reisling at a fancy dinner (murray circle in sausalito, awesome) and it was knock me on my ass amazing. had it with an english pea (hear that gv?) gazpacho and the pairing was other worldly.

almost popped the alsace kuentz-bas last night, but we got too tired. save it for tonight!
August 25, 2008

ninefingers
I started on these wines, was a heavy rhingau wine drinker until I discovered the “Doctor”. Switched to Mosel’s from then on (1970’s).
Have had vertical tasting of Schloss Vollrad’s(winkel im Rheingau) through Trokenbeerenauslese and Bercasteler Doctor u. Graben also.
Wehlener Sonnenuhr (S.A. Prum Erben) was a excellent Mosel, never had a full vertical tasting on this(availability).
This was before the yuppies discovered wine and drove the prices out of my reach! The (yuppies) also did the price surge on fly-fishing too!

Always liked these low alcohol wines! I used the “DVVN” (symbol on label) as a guide for high-quality wines.

In fact, I still have a 1964 Schloss Vollrad Trokenbeerenauslese in my cellar to be enjoyed for some great event. (Like moving to Washington to join my friend in the Four Lakes Chelan winery.)
August 25, 2008

Scottie P
QOTD: Trimbach Gwert. Not too shabby. Very similar flavors to the ones you just tasted… clean/stainless steel taste, pear and honey w/ sharp acidity.
August 25, 2008

boegemann
QOTD: 1966 Schloss Reinhartshausen Erbacher Bruhl Spatlese** last Monday. Trying to impress a business associate who has a thing for Hock.
August 25, 2008

espressokev
QOTD: for someone to buy one for me… =)
August 25, 2008

Jon
QOTD: Schmitt Sohne Reisling Kabinett 2006.
Excellent wine… good acid and a great flavor of apples…
August 25, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
H’mm, Charlie McCarthy in a wine bottle?

QOTD — oh, a very mediocre one earlier this month:
2005 Moselland Riesling Ars Vitis (Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer)
August 25, 2008

BargePlus
Kudos on your improved pronunciation of Spät-(rhymes with eight)-lese. In the past, I cringed a little (a very little little) each time you came out with Spot (as in See Spot Run) or Spat (as in the past tense of spit) -lese, but you got it spot-on this time.

Tschüss.
August 25, 2008

Peter J Wood
OWTD – The last German wine I had was too long ago! I think it was either Donnhoff’s dry and sweet Riesling or a Kabinett by Prum. Either way, I adore German wines and am so glad you did these. Thanks Gary.
August 25, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: I’ve had a few whites, but I want to try some German reds.
August 25, 2008

Jens
QOTD: Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer, Riesling, Kabinett 2006.
August 25, 2008

John
QOTD: I think the only German I’ve had so far was a 2006 Bend In The River Riesling. Really cheap, but the girlfriend loves it. Simple. but pretty tasty. Makes my teeth hurt though, I like extremely dry wines.
August 25, 2008

Zinny
Great show – thanks!
QOTD: Riesling gets a fair amount of space in our wine cabinet. The last one we drank was yesterday. 2007 Schloss Lieser Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett.
August 25, 2008

Tony V.
QOTD: ‘05 Dr. Loosen Spatlese. Good stuff.
August 25, 2008

Scott EJ
I really don’t remember.

My QOTD for you: Why is there so many Dr.’s who do Rieslings?
August 25, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Been awhile; haven’t been drinking German wines recently.
I do like them though, especially Mittel Mosels.
August 25, 2008

Kai
Great Episode! laughed quite a lot because of your accent..i’m sorry
But even as a german I must say these names are very bizarre..!
August 25, 2008

elron
There you go Medo! Enjoy!
August 25, 2008

The Aesthetic Elevator
@ */^_^\*

Go Huskers!
August 25, 2008

Andy
Great ep G ….. Always like a good German Reisling….. Fun wine.
QOTD—- Just had a simple auslese Riesling …. A good porch wine. I think it was $ 12 …. a good wine.
August 25, 2008

Rich
YES!!!! A BIG thanks to you Gary for going back to the “AKA The internet’s most passionate wine program.” It helps me when I’m doing your impersonation of your introduction to be spot on! =) Keep up the great work. I wish I could find more of your reccomendations out here in Wisconsin.

Rich =)
August 25, 2008

Susan
Gary-Do NOT look now but…………………ahem………you are pulling a Robin Williams…….you are having an arguement with yourself……….ahem…………… ???????????????????
August 25, 2008

KVolk
Qotd: not yet but will this week end….like the “conversation” you had with the one Reisling…..good stuff……..
August 25, 2008

Rob R
Wilhelm Bergmann Auslese. My favorite riesling
August 25, 2008

OzJeff
I’ve recently begun to loosen up on my red wine snobbery and am getting into some interesting whites. Not such a stupid idea considering I am living bang smack in the middle of the German Riesling growing areas. One I really liked recently was from the Mosel region – “Weingut Kirsten Riesling 2007″ for 6,90 EUR.

My rating
Clear golden white. Fresh fruity aromas of peach & pineapple. It’s sweet on the nose. Quite elegant on the palate, light bodied with a little fizz on the tounge. Maybe a little cantelope melon in the mouth. Nice acids, especially at the back end. The acid is zippy without being sour. What I like about this wine is that it isn’t sweet or clawing. I also like the contrast between the impression it leaves on the nose and palate. 89pts
August 25, 2008

manonthemoon
Nice show. Love me some riesling, but its too bad I ignore it like zinfandel sometimes. I think I might have to go on an all white spending spree in September.

QOTD:2005 Manfred Breit Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese back in march, need to stop ignoring this varietal
August 25, 2008

Susan
QOTD: 2006 Valckenberg Riesling Rheinhessen – a GREAT QPR!!!
August 25, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Dr. Loosen Mosel Reisling…pretty good but I prefer drier reislings.
August 25, 2008

LuvsChandon
QOTD: I had a Mosel Riesling, was decent enough but think I would have enjoyed more with a spicy meal.
August 25, 2008

Mark
Obvious this was a previously recorded show because if it was really today we would have had a full 20 minutes on the JETS !!!!!
August 25, 2008

KW
Good show – Wife loves the Rieslings.
QOTD: Dr. Karl Cristoffel – Kabinett
August 25, 2008

Jay
I don’t know what it was, but the labeln on that third bottle looks awesome. Good show. I don’t usually drink a lot of German wines, and can’t think of the last one that I’ve had.
August 25, 2008

sam
Great show! I must admit I don’t like too much sweetness, but I must also say I haven’t had a Spätlese Riesling. I’ve had a Leo Beyer lately and a cheaper Deinhard which were both good.
August 25, 2008

Mark S
Good show.
QOTD: It has been over 20 years since I have had a Riesling. This show has inspired me to give them another whirl.

Question of the Day for Gary: What do you do with the remaining wine after completing your show?
August 25, 2008

Paryb
QOTD: Last German wine? Had a gwertzraminer that my sister brought back for me…way to sweet for my buds though. I can’t think of a sweet or semi sweet style wine that I’ve ever really enjoyed. I guess I’m just an old sourpuss.
August 25, 2008

JonE
Three cheers for Spatlese! G-Man you should have explained how much some of us nerds geek out on Spatlese. I am secure in my manhood, and I love riesling.

QOTD: Rudolf Muller Bunny Riesling. A very tasty little servicable Riesling.
August 25, 2008

Mike S.
Wtg Gary! Almost nailed the pronunciation – try “shpayt-layza” and you’ve got it. Great show – expanding the palate for sure.

QOTD – it was a spatlese: 2006 Meulenhof Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese. Petrol, acidity, apricots, peaches, lemons and limes – gave it 90 pts on CT.

Btw, the Mönchhof Robert Eymael Riesling Estate is a big hit with my CKC: widely available, under 15 bones, just a little off dry, and a total flavor bomb (petrol, yellow fruit, lemonade, orange juice). Incredible QPR.
August 25, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Love love love German Rieslings. The last one was probably a 2002 Darting Spatlese.
August 25, 2008

Shawn_944
Excellent Show Gary! Did not know the German terms as you said at the end there about Dry Sugar and More Sugar, so I did text myself so I am ready for the next time I am in the Wine Shop.

QOTD: Dr. Zenzen’s Vino Noire Dornfelder, Rheinhessen…. not very exciting for me only 81 in my books
August 25, 2008

Phil G
Love German wines a lot. Nice show…

QOTD – Had some spatlase at a Thai restaurant a few weeks ago – don’t remember the name since we ordered from the wine list.
August 25, 2008

Herm
Great show…..I really enjoy Rieslings…..Schlab Kapelle Spatlese, not expensive but very good…..
August 25, 2008

Von P
Rieslings rock and I’ve said that always. I’ve got my wife really appreciating “good” rieslings now!
Hey, GV what’s with that little rant with yourself…I kinda liked it!
August 25, 2008

barrelmonkey
QOTD: A dry german riesling that didn’t bring the thunder.

I’ve been hating on the sugar for too long… and ready to try some spatlese Halbtrocken!
August 25, 2008

gotsha
QOTD…Caveat Emptor story follows….I used to live on the Mosel and helped with the grape harvest a couple times (Go US Air Force/Beat Navy). I was in a Chicago wine store last month and was excited to see a German wine from a vineyard that I could literally see from the balcony of my old apartment (Weingut Batterieberg). I got so excited that I bought six bottles and popped one open that evening. After tasting, I looked at the label on the back of the green bottle and noticed the word “Rheingau.” I know enough about German wines to become a tad upset. Not only was the wine NOT from the Batterieburg vineyard, it wasn’t even from the Mosel. I called the importer the next day and they apologized. I was told 2006 was a bad year on the Mosel, and the winery/weingut had to source the grapes from elsewhere. I guess the harvest was so bad that they had to hide the word Rheingau on the back label.
August 25, 2008

Omallley
Excellent! Love Riesling! Love it. Especially from cooler climates. One of these days you will have to try some from British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia…perhaps I’ll figure out a way to ship across the border…Hmmm

QOTD: 2006 Dr. Loosen QBA – excellent value and very refreshing dry Riesling with a little frizante action.
August 25, 2008

Matt W
QOTD: I have yet to have a German wine but I have a Riesling in the basement that I will drink before the cold weather hits.
August 25, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Haven’t had a riesling for awhile, but liked Fischer Ockfener Bockstein Kabinett 2005 very much – it was not sweet. Also liked Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Bernkasteler Lay 2002. I look for the Kabinetts because they’re the least sweet (I use the acronym ASK to help me remember which is least sweet: A(auslese) S(spatlese) K(kabinett). Thanks for defining trocken, but it’s still confusing because trockenbeerenauslese is very sweet.
Somebody has to help the German wineries abbreviate the names of their wines a little for the American market. When Ernst Loosen got together with Chateau Ste. Michelle he called the wine Eroica. I think it’s pretty popular.
August 25, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Dr Tanisch Spåtlese 2005 tonight with dinner of scallops and mango stir fry.
August 25, 2008

Kevin Worthington
2001 J & HA Strub Spatlese Reisling
Hard to find, but really crisp and sweet…
August 25, 2008

Dr. Mike
QOTD: Did a tall bottle tasting this weekend, had atleast 6 German rieslings, but the alsace and austrian rieslings stole the show.
August 25, 2008

J Vogel
Had two in one night actually, last Saturday. Siener’s (Pfalz) 2007 Kastanienbusch ‘Taschberg’ Trocken. This wine, at 14 Euro (if I recall correctly), puts most 30 or 40 Euro Grosses Gewaechs wines to shame. And it’s exceedingly drinkable, both at that price point and at it’s 12,5% alc/vol. Absolutely stunning and fresh and incredibly complex (organic viticulture, 100% spontaneous fermentation). Also finished Van Volxem’s 2006 Kanzemer Altenberg Alte Reben, a dense Grand Cru beauty in a feinherb (halbtrocken/half-dry) style, coming in at 11,5% alc/vol. But at 30 Euro/bottle, a PAZZZZZ fer shizzle. I’ll take Grand Cru wines from Grand Cru-minded producers at CostCo prices every time. Period. LOVE YOUR FAM!
August 25, 2008

e dog
QOTD: I never had a German wine. In terms of Riesling, I m stuck in my native France, I never thought of looking outside of Alsace for a riesling.

Great show ! I always learn something when I watch WLTV, it s fantastic!

I have to check out some German wines soon… move out of the wines i am familiar with…
August 25, 2008

sharon
qotd: I don’t recall but after those reviews I’m running out and buying the first two Reislings even though I prefer reds…Hmmm apples and honey…yum.
August 25, 2008

Anthony L.
Saw this episode on uStream live…very sweet episode
August 25, 2008

Jay
QOTD: The last German bottle I enjoyed was a 2005 Hoffmann-Simon Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Fabulous gun-metal flintiness!
August 25, 2008

ScottS
Gary, Excellent show. German Rieslings is noble wine. Love the wines that express a petrol content. Also your facts today were on par. One of the best things about Riesling as a group is that they have a long aging potential.

Qotd: 2005 Von Hovel Kabinet. This is fantastic wine, If my memory is correct it was a 92 GV for $16 .It is still the best QPR I ever found including the 16 cases of wine I have bought from WL in the last 3 years.
August 25, 2008

Greg
QOTD: 2007 Dr. Loosen Riesling
August 25, 2008

TROC
Thanks for bringing out the quality of German Riesling’s. Yes, they’re sweet, a gorgeous sweet, balanced with so many other flavors, its like heaven. Monchoff was my last and it was memorable.
August 25, 2008

Kelly Goff
Awesome wines! The last I had was also a German Reisling,however I cannot remember which style. I love the banter with your wine bottle.
August 25, 2008

EricB
German Riesling woo hoo! My favorite wines. Can’t wait to get some 07’s.
Last bottle: the absolutely amazing 2005 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese
August 25, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Good Show!

Q-Had two German rieslings at a Thai restaurant on Saturday, a great combination.
August 25, 2008

Dominus
No doubt, German Rieslings and Oregon Pinots rock my world! Batting 1.000 so I need to procur a mixed case of these gems. Perfectly timed show at this time of year for a stellar wine!

QOTD: I always have a few bottles of Donnhof Riesling around the house. My fav though at times i will pick up a Karl Erbes for a few bones.

Great show.

Cheers!
Dom

P.S. In NY tonight, tasting a Malbec (the one with the silver metal badge on the front) my friends picked up a couple days ago at your shop. Of course, I had to give them the lowdown on our Saturday festivities! It’s a small, small world.
August 25, 2008

Rowland
hey o my god, this is actually the first question of the day i can truly answer … im so new to wine i can still count the bottles iv drank. so …

qotd … 2007 Polka dot Riesling, Pfalz, $8.99. not impressed, i give it a meh, with a lower-case ‘m’ and no extra ‘e’s. lol.

Just keep kicking azzzz. hey you should do a new vs old world challenge. like how you got German pfalz wines and there are at least 3 wineries near New Paltz, NY.

peace
August 25, 2008

Tyler Walker
believe it or not… the monchoff dry reisling…quite delicious i would say
August 25, 2008

senator
Gary, I know you know this but not all German wines with trocken on the label are dry. Trockenberenausleses are, as you know, quite sweet.
August 25, 2008

Capt M
Great show indeed. I have the Dr. Karl Kabinett and Spatlese at home. So I’m very glad I watched this show.
August 25, 2008

senator
BTW, do you realize it’s been almost 4 MONTHS since you did a secret pack episode???? Hmmmmmmm?????????
August 25, 2008

Vern
I have a six pack of Hugel reisling that is very citrisy not sweet by a long shot.
August 25, 2008

TommyBoBo of WI
ANOTHER great ep,,, and terrific info,,,, You are in the zone!
QOTD: 2001 JJPrum WS Kabinett

Any chance of getting some 15-20 year old Rieslings for a show??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
August 25, 2008

mar
I`m a new fan from Quebec…..I really like German wine but my wife adore it….around the pool it`s delicious
August 25, 2008

mark b
QOTD: Schmitt Sohne Kabinet, with some Jägerschnitzel. yum.
August 25, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: According to CT, the 2005 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese. I don’t drink much German wine, I just can’t seem to get into it.
August 25, 2008

Lynda S
QOTD: A kabinett from the mosel. The year was 2005 but I do not remember the name. There were fish on the bottle.

My favorite riesling right now is from Michigan. Black Star Farms 2007 Late Harvest. The finish is beautiful.
August 25, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: It’s probably been 20 years since I drank a German Spatlese. I’m not sure whether I was drinking rot-gut (it was super cheap, like $4-5 and I liked it) or whether prices have escalated that much for the Mosel’s over the last 20 years. I think that I’ll have to move to a lot hotter area to get back into the summertime white drinking.
August 25, 2008

Murso
Carl Loewen Liewener Klostergarten Kabinett 06, my favorite now, for several years. The tremendous variance in taste evocations, flavor profiles, acidity, and gen. quality in Germany ALONE is mind bending, and easily can, and should blow you away. I enjoy world class Rieslings in a comfortable zone up to $20 or so. Even bereich (regional) wines can deliver lots of pleasure, but I can’t stress enough for people to know that estate grown wines of limited production yield unlimited quality. The stuff put into pretty bottles, with marketed ‘user friendly’ packaging has NOTHING to do with these amazing wines.
August 25, 2008

FedorP
Loved the bit where you talked to the wine! I like Rieslings but I feel cheated when I pay $15 for an 8%/alc bottle of wine. It’s great for the ladies and in place of a beer, but the price point’s a killer if you’re looking to “enjoy” the night
August 25, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I dont remember the exact winery but it was a 2006 Pinot blanc (I think it was Munsberg Weissenbergunder or something like that)

–RH
August 25, 2008

Izek J
QOTD: 2003 Josef Biffar Deidesheimer Kieselberg Riesling Kabinett, consumed yesterday.
August 25, 2008

SarahB
Thanks for doing a German Riesling episode. They definitely dominate my cellar.

QOTD: I’m drinking a 2002 Schloss Johannisberger Gelback Riesling right now. Yum!

I agree with another commenter that a show featuring older (10+years) Rieslings needs to be done.
August 25, 2008

Nico
QOTD: Selbach Oster Auslese Zeltinger Sonnenhur

Rieslings are the best. My website has tons of information about it: http://rieslingrules.com/the_book/
August 25, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: Just had a German Riesling 2 wks ago. Forgot the winery but as almost always really enjoyed it. Love German Rieslings!!! A word of advice to others not familiar with these wines, don’t get German wines with simple or catchy names aimed at the basic American wine drinker! Most all good German wines only have the name of wine owner as in the WLTV episode you just saw. German wines are a little sweet but the really good quality ones are very complex and are known as the best white wines in the world!
August 25, 2008

Peter
I want to mention the Petaluma 2006 Reisling that I picked up at WL a few weeks ago. Fantastic wine! If you like lime, this is a must have. I made sure to order a couple of bottles before posting this comment.
August 25, 2008

Randy B
Great timing for a Riesling show! My restaurant (in Rockford, IL – BEARS COUNTRY!) is having an all Riesling wine dinner in September. Time to teach people that Riesling is not the heir-apparent to White Zin! Thanks GV!!!

QOTD: One of Dr. Fischer’s wines would have been my last Riesling – she’s coming to Rockford to do the dinner, so I just had several of her wines as samples!
August 25, 2008

Kevin
QOTD: I’ve had a whole world of plonk from Germany, but my love for Alsace is pulling me hard to explore the good stuff from there.

Thanks for the kick in the butt, as usual, to try new things.
August 25, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: 2006 Ulrich Langguth Riesling from the Hessische Bergstraße, $6 at Trader Joe’s. It was solid for the price, but was definitely a wine that needed food to cut the sugar.
August 25, 2008

MARK
whoa..slow down..seems like u couldnt wait to get this show over with…
August 25, 2008

Roberto
hi gary thanks for this show, nice to see in the comments that people do drink these wines, I personally love them, especially anything good from Dr. Loosen.

I wish you could do more live shows, instead of taped… they lose a bit, I think. But I understand your schedule dude.

health!

RR
August 25, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
QOTD: Slatestone Riesling…enjoyed it quite a bit!

Great show GV…always a pleasure to watch!
August 26, 2008

Leif erik Sundstrom
QOTD:: 1983 Kesselstatt Piersporter Goldptrochen Auslese — was still a baby. but went oh so well with a pulled pork sandwhich. love the german rieslings..

maybe in the future you could do a Mosel vs Wachau Riesling show? a blind battle, eh?
August 26, 2008

brorjace
Good show, I love good Riesling. My biggest probably is that people automatically assume they are sweet, when in my opinion the dry ones really rock . I think the last one I had was a Prum Spatlese, and it was of course delicious.
August 26, 2008

zach even - esh
DUDE – you’re using the helmet I bought you! Niiiiiice bruddah!

kill it!

–z–
August 26, 2008

Mason
Gary, I am a big fan of German wines, so this is right up my alley.

QOTD: Last one I had was Monchhof Estate Reisling 2006, and it is a great go-to wine when you are looking for a good riesling at a great price!
August 26, 2008

AshmanE
Great show. You hit me in my sweet point… pardon the pun…

QOTD: Actually, the Monchhof 2005 Spatlese was my last german one I believe. I just bought 3 bottles of the 2006 about 3 days ago and I can’t wait to crack them open. Probably one now and the other two will be saved for a while…
August 26, 2008

Rossodio
2005 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Clos des Capucins Réserve Personnelle — no, wait, that’s an Alsatian Riesling, which was phenomenal. The last German I had was 2006 Rudi Wiest Riesling, a good QPR at 13-14 dollars.
August 26, 2008

Saftig
Lived in Germany almost 12 years and had my share of some phenomenal wines. Make a point of going to some of the small village Weinfeste, it’s an education and sheer bliss. QOTD: Studert Prum, very yummy, all by its lonesome but I don’t think there’s a wine out there that is more versatile with food than Riesling.
August 26, 2008

oenanist
QOTD: Thanks to Corkd–your neglected child of a website–I can tell you that the last German wine I drank was a Graff Kabinett Riesling, and that I didn’t like it much. It was cheap ($10), and I take it you can’t get good German wine in this price range. Based on your enthusiasm, I’m looking forward to splurging sometime on a Spaetlese in the $20-$25 range. Maybe when I finally make it out to Queens for serious Thai food.
August 26, 2008

oenanist
By the way, why are so many Riesling makers doctors?
August 26, 2008

MrJCG1
Great episode on my favorite wine.

QOTD: I enjoy a bottle of Auslese or Spatlese at least once a week. Most recently tried a Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck 2006. Rated it 95 points. Simply wonderful.
August 26, 2008

Brunop
Have you ever tasted the great wines from the Saar? Esp. Wiltingen, VOLS, Van Volxem, Muller… YUM
August 26, 2008

Arcy
QOTD: Unfortunately, I haven’t had a German wine yet. Been just building my pallet until I turn 21 on Sep. 29th. Can’t wait to finally enjoy wine on a regular basis.
August 26, 2008

jason carey
by the way, as you know the Weill is richer partially because the Rhinegau is hotter than the Mosel..
August 26, 2008

jason carey
oh last riseling.. Wynns 2005 Coonowara
August 26, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: The most recent German wine I had was a sparkler 2005 Weingut Baron Knyphausen Riesling Brut Sekt. It was a nice change from the other bubble’s I’ve been drinking and went great with the sushi we had…
August 26, 2008

medo
Thanks for doing this Gary! Great to see (again) that the German wines show very well at the thunder show!

@QOTD:

2006 Georg Breuer Riesling Terra Montosa – a very good dry Riesling
August 26, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Anselmann 2006 Riesling Kabinett
August 26, 2008

Brad
QOTD: Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Reisling, from New York, i think 2006. Its known as Dr. Franks in my parents house and we always have a case sitting around.
August 26, 2008

Maciek
QOTD: Carl Caspari Trabener Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese trocken 2006, great stuff!
August 26, 2008

Smahlatz
QOTD : Haven’t had a German wine – it’s making its way to the top of the list though – I should give it priority given my german heritage.
August 26, 2008

Smahlatz
Oh – I forgot though, that I hoping to take a holiday to the Mosel region soon – plenty to be had then I’m sure
August 26, 2008

Chris
QOTD: Westhofener Kirchspiel riesling kabinett Rheinhessen 2003
A very nice semi-sweet Kabinett!

Great show !
August 26, 2008

jason
really good show today gary. i always love the riesling shows, esp the german ones.

QOTD -i was in germany a few months ago and tried everything i have never heard of before, weird reds that were tasty, spatburgunder ( pinot), the most interesting one was dornfelder. i had it at dinner and it had some personality. need to find some of that here.
August 26, 2008

sean f
where can I get that shirt
August 26, 2008

Sonnenuhr
Great show and much improved pronounciation on “Spaetlese”. Next German lesson, Weil is pronounced “While”, not “Wheel”.

I think you probably need to consider how these three wines will evolve and where the Weil will be in 10 to 15 years as it puts on a little weight and continues to evolve. Kind of like that 195 pound HS linebacker that goes into Ohio State and comes out a 245 pound monster First Round NFL draft pick – oh yeah!

QOTD: Getting ready to pop a nice Riesling this week: 2001 Johann Peter Reinert Kanzemer Altenberg Riesling Spatlese
August 26, 2008

Rick O'Shea
I love German Riesling Spatlese wine. It is my favorite white wine. I was big into these a few year ago. I think its time to pick one up. Thanks for the show. It rocked!
August 26, 2008

CW
QOTD: 1981 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling ‘Sang’ Spaetlese. Word to the wise, you can find Spätlese(n) at the under $10 price point at Trader Joe’s or the local wine store, but don’t bother. You need to be $15+ before you can begin to touch the realm of these wines tasted today.

Interestingly enough, Mönchhof aka Robert Eymael also has a Christoffel under his umbrella called JJ Christoffel, who is rather good. Dr Christoffel is new to the US scene and is not very well known in Germany either. If you go to wine-searcher.com you’ll see who is carrying this wine in the US

Weil is not pronounced like ‘while’ as a poster suggested it is ‘vile’. Another poster asked about the Doktor moniker on wines. Culturally, Germany puts the emphasis on WHO the estate belonged to at the beginning. Long ago as now, the person had to be of means to buy a vineyard. Even in the 1800’s when many of these named wines came to be, property was expensive. It often took a doctor to buy one, also the owner may have a doctorate in _something_, sometimes agriculture, sometimes philosophie…..education sells in Germany, unlike other places I can think of.

If you are wondering about a German wine to buy, check my site for kontact info and I’ll be happy to steer you.
August 26, 2008

fbz
The last German wine I had was one I actually have another bottle of in the fridge, J.u.H.A. Strub 2004 Niersteiner Brückchen Grüner Veltliner Kabinett trocken. Yum. I love the Strub wines, they don’t disappoint and since I live in Berlin, the prices are great (5.15 euros a bottle). They make a great dry Riesling too.
August 26, 2008

Ken F
Good Show!! My last German was the 2005 Monchhof Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese Riesling.
August 26, 2008

Adnan
Really nice show, those sounded great.

QOTD: I had a Riesling Spätlese Trocken wine recently. I have no clue where it’s from as the label’s german is a bit too advanced for me. Didn’t know what trocken meant at the time, wasn’t expecting it too be so dry. Was very high on acid, quite nice. It was a gift for my dad on a business trip in Germany.
August 26, 2008

Chris Braun
QOTD: Dr. Karl Christoffel Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2003

I am able to buy the Christoffel wines by the case through the father of a friend. I’ve got a bunch .
August 26, 2008

Slushpuppy
Definitely the best by far was a Kabinett from Bingen Bingen Bangen!

Smell it first!
August 26, 2008

Timothy C.
Ah the wonderful world of German rieslings…
QOTD: Schloss Schonborn Rheingau riesling 1994. A basic German riesling, but still alive and vibrant after 14 years.
August 26, 2008

Matt
I can answer the question for once, though I totally wish it was a better wine. Black Tower Riesling (2006?). Drank at a party with a bunch of my friends. I made them sniffy sniff the wine which was awesome.
August 26, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice Vinos in da Hizzy !!!!!!!!!!

QOTD: Muller-Catoir Scheurebe Spatlese……YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMM !!!!!
August 26, 2008

brent
QOTD: Klaus Keller Rheinhessen Riesling trocken Qba 2004
August 26, 2008

DAve A
I love the dryer Rieslings from Germany! I go each November for the latest from the eastern half of Germany. Auslese, Kabinett, Spatlese – all have their own times to enjoy. Kabinett is my fav for just drinking by itself. Spatlese is a little sweet for my pal, but works well with pie. or 10% seltzer water.
GREAT SHOW! Educational!
QOTD: Any German Riesling with QmP rating, but last one was 2005 Anselmann Kabinett Riesling.
August 26, 2008

Bobo36
Good show. Impressed that a late harvest grape such as this isn’t screaming sugar & alcohol.

QOTD: been about 15 years since i had a German wine.
August 26, 2008

Alfredhayes
Question OTD: I’ve had zee German but I forget which, I did have a Gruner from Austria a few weeks ago. Made my breath stink!! (although the wine was good).
August 26, 2008

terry
German Spatlese Rieslings – Episode #526 Great episode Gary, always nice to drink some Spatlese and you picked some beauties. Gotta do some Donhoff someday. Waynestreet
August 26, 2008

Richard
QOTD: Hi Gary, thanks for this line up. The last German wine I had is Gewurztraminer although I can’t remember the producer the wine was purchased from UK retailer. Lovely floral aromas one of my favs.

Cheers

Richard aka Scotscan
August 26, 2008

ChezJim
Great show GV. I cut my wine teeth on German wines. Even though I have moved on to more reds, I still go back to a good German Riesling two to three times a year.

QOTD: The last German Riesling I drank was a Kabinett. Can’t remember the producer. I haven’t had a spatlese in years. Time to take a trip down memory lane.
August 26, 2008

Lisa
Thanks for expanding horizons. I love the gruenerveltliners from Austria…so looking forward to experimenting. Wine Diver Girl
August 26, 2008

CB Lukens
GV – I’ve been trying for years to get myself into Ger. Reis. and I haven’t gotten there yet. Even though I know they are wonderful, go well with food, low in alcohol, can be drunk in all seasons, etc. I suck – I have to change this…
August 26, 2008

robertfrancis
Good Show Gary !

God I really love Riesling wherever it comes from.

Last German one was either

Dr von Basserman-jordan rieslinh estate trocken or a Dr Loosen Riesling – either way it was good !
August 26, 2008

Vericlese
QOTD: Dornfelder Leiblech. Semi-sweet red and lots of fun.
August 26, 2008

Antares
Please made available HD version of full length!!!!
August 26, 2008

chenin
good show!

QOTD: Weingut Dr. Randolf Kauer Oberweseler Oelsberg Riesling Spätlese trocken 2007
August 26, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= 2005 Donnhoff Kabinette 3 days ago. Wishing every second that I was drinking it that I had bought more. GO FIND THIS WINE NOW!
August 26, 2008

Niklaus
Man Gary, your banter with the bottle of wine about being opened or put away was freakin hilarious!! ha ha…good show. I like that shirt by the way!

QOTD: haven’t had a German wine for a long time, I need to try one of those three.
August 26, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
QOTD – Last German wine I sampled was the Dr. Loosen Riesling which was a great hit (and a value price to boot). I first became interested in sampling the Dr. Loosen wines after I learned about all of the collaborative work he was doing with Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle winery.
August 26, 2008

Eric Holm
Another wonderful effort for wine and a terrific show of good education!!!!
QOTD—Schloss Schonborn 2002 Erbacher Marcobrunn
August 26, 2008

Derek
QOTD: I’ve had some German wines. The only one I ever remember is the Schmitt & Sohne Riesling (the dry one, “QbA” I think it’s called). Frankly I just never think to look for German wines.
August 26, 2008

BobbyTiger
Interesting show today.
While I have a tendency to walk by the German shelves at the wine store, I have had several Rieslings, which were actually pretty good. My last tasting was via my next door neighbor, (who is German). While I don’t the name, it too was quite good. I dunno………maby I will stop and pick some up on my next wine venture. [With the exception of the Torrentes, I'm still having a difficult time breaking out of my red comfort zone].
August 26, 2008

CindyW
QOTD: it was definitely a riesling, but I can’t remember which one. I’ve been lucky enough to have tried a couple of aged rieslings in the last few months, and they’re fabulous! I finally understand that whole petrol thing.
August 26, 2008

SpoiledinCalbyPinot
QOTD: Was a German Riesling, they make great ones….
August 26, 2008

The Wine Miner
QOTD: Von Othengraven Kanzemer Altenberg Spatlese 2002. ( Awesome )
August 26, 2008

Derek F.
QOTD: cant remember the last one I had. Waiting for you to ship me a free bottle..LOL!!!!
August 26, 2008

Tyler RM
QOTD – Recent vintage Riesling Kabinett, can’t remember exactly what it was…
August 26, 2008

Tony
QOTD: I haven’t yet had a German Reisling (I don’t think). I’ve had a few NY and Pacific NW versions, which I’ve liked. But I’m still looking for that acid. So I think next time I’m shopping for wine I will look for a German.
August 26, 2008

John
QTD: I tried a Mosel Saar Ruwer 2005 Piesporter Treppchen Riesling Kabinett awhile ago… didn’t care for it. Been meaning to try another one.
August 27, 2008

Ken
the one I love the most so far is the S.A. Prum blue slate Riesling.
It’s the one with the smell of oil and fuel…..but it was awesome
August 27, 2008

Jaybird
2005 Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Auslese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr and it was unbelievable I loved it so much that I picked up 6 bottles of the Gold Cap and have yet to try that and looking forward to it.
August 27, 2008

JML
QOTD: I had a 2005 Ratzenberger Steeger St. Jost Grosses Gewachs recently. Awesome.
August 27, 2008

Russell Lake
QOTD – Last German wine I sampled was the 97 Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese, fruitiness nicely complemented with subtle kero/honey characters. I wonder how many Vayniacs are going to buy a “Trocken”beerenauslese thinking it’s going to be dry – big surprise!!!!
August 27, 2008

Dave in Leverkusen
St. Urbans-Hof 2007 Ockfener Bockstein Kabinett

The 2005 vintage of this wine was one of those “Ah-hah!” experiences for me. I had read lots of comments about the wine being off-dry to sweet with good acidity, and never understood this paradox until tasting this wine. Nice flavors of lime, apricots and minerals, with a back-of-the-palate acidity that makes your mouthwater. I absolutely love this producer. Will have to try a Spätlese and an Auslese from them, too.

Also prefer Mosels to Rheingaus.

For bone-dry Riesling, you have to dry a Rudi Pichler Riesling from Austria – very nice!
August 27, 2008

Dan Manu
Haven’t had one in a while… time to go out and get one!
Nice one on the 3 from 3!
August 27, 2008

Sarah Newton
Ciao Gary

Enjoyed this, just got back from the Rheingau on Sunday night so loved to see you do this, and then Barbersco following! Nice.

Anyway, I did a search for Eiswein and saw you havent done an episode. Seeing as their is Canadian, Austrian, NZ, Austrian and Germany Eiswein now it would be great to see what you think of the terroir differences. Maybe German frost is nicer than Canadian frost?!

I haven’t checked to see if WineLibrary sells Eiswein thou!

Adios
Sarah
August 27, 2008

IPBrian
Almost there…only one episode to go! BTW…Gary I like your T, what is that?

QOTD: I dont remember the last one I had…it was at a tasting.
August 27, 2008

leo
2003 Bert Simon auslese,wonderful
August 27, 2008

Dana
Love German riesling and have a number of 2001’s and 2005’s put away. the last one was a 2001 kabinett, but I can’t remember whose it was.
August 27, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: NOt a big fan of the Spatlese Rieslings but I do like the Trocken Rieslings from both the Rheingau and the Mosel. I tried 14 different Rieslings at Dirk Richter’s place in 2006 and it was a great experience, although I only liked the first 4-5 wines (which were all Trocken with, I think, one Spatlese).
August 27, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I was in Germany during May and spent 4 days at the Mosel and Rhein. So I had a lot of reislings then. Can’t remember which one was last. Most were good and inexpensive, even at restaurants.
August 27, 2008

iank
QOTD: Shiava….. loved it. Much different than anything I have had in the past. Really looking forward to trying more German wines.

Thanks for another great show.
August 28, 2008

PSPatrick
Great episode! We are planning another trip to the Rheingau with some friends next weekend. We are going to visit some wineries and stock up on 06 and 07 Rieslings. By the way – don’t worry, even in German the names of the different vineyards sound very strange

QOTD: My last German wine was a “2004 Schloss Johannisberger Riesling Rotlack Kabinett Halbtrocken”, fairly inexpensive at EUR 14,50 and great QPR. A German wine that really took me by surprise for its quality a couple of weeks ago was a German sparkling wine though, the champagne-like “2006 Wilhelmshof Blanc de Noir Pinot Brut”.
August 28, 2008

James Marinello(bajayngo)
Nice to see you give the german Reislings some camera time. I’m really falling in love with with german reislings, so versital and just plain enjoyable!!

QOTD : just had a reisling taste off a couple of weekends ago. And the germans were showing strong with the 1999 Dr. F Weins Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett & 2003 Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Spatlese kicking the New Zealand and WA butts!
August 28, 2008

Lord Nouda
Great show again and love to hear that you like german wine (being from germany).

qotd: uh, I had some german wines in my life but since I only recently started at corkd I can not recall the last one I had (the next one is going to be a Mosel Riesling for sure, though).

Speaking of Germany, one should try Federweisser (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federweisser) – it’s that time of year. I don’t know if the american vineyards produce this, though, or if it’s being imported (I doubt it).
August 28, 2008

Richard Ritter
Love the color on that Robert Weil bottle. Blue and Gold label “Remeber the Titans”!!!

QOTD: I honestly can’t remeber the last German wine I had.

A very seasonal episode. Thanks!
August 29, 2008

Echuu
I got recommended by you gary to try a riesling spätlase as a first wine, and somehow we managed to have one in the house at the time, what i noticed was was that it was a trocken, i didn’t know what this was at the time and what i tasted was pretty much just apple vinager and it wasn’t that pleasant.
August 29, 2008

pawncop
Great episode. Am really appreciating the regional diferences in various grapes.

QOTD – Schmitt Sohne 2005 but will be exploring that a bit more in the future.
August 30, 2008

vinacull
This was a GREAT EP, and very nice to see all three performed well. Always good when you mix it up with some whites for late summer drinking. QOTD: 2005 Bernard Eifel Schweicher Annaberg Riesling Alte Reben von Rotem Schiefer, which I purchased at the WL customer appreciation sale. Really liked this, especially for the price of 15 dollars. Beautiful, floral, light, and just the right amount of acidity and a mild sweetness to pair with a wide variety of foods. Apparently others liked it too because it was sold out by the time I went back for more two weeks later.
August 31, 2008

Dan-o
GV – I am also a big fan of the German Rieslings. They have so much versatility.

QOTD – Max Ferd Richter Spaetlese – 2003. Very good wine.

Pronunciation tip – I worked in Germany for 3 years.
Spaetlese (inserting an “e” because I don’t have an umlot (2 litte dots) on my computer) is pronounced Shpetleezuh.
Auslese is pronounced Owzleezuh.
August 31, 2008

Karl Laczko
Love Riesling, love Spätlese – nothing more to say. Thanks for the show Gary, more Riesling love is appreciated!

QOTD – Weingut Spohr, Christians 2005 Gewürztraminer Spätlese Feinherb, drinking it tonight watching the show!
The last Riesling was the St. Johanner Abtey 2007 Spätlese which I had at my parents 2 weeks ago. Not bad, but the Gewurtz was better!
August 31, 2008

Sharon
QOTD – Just so happens I enjoyed a spatlese german riesling on Friday (weingut familie rauen). It was so good I practically gulped it (how gauche). At only 9% alcohol I felt I could enjoy with abandon.
September 1, 2008

Andrew D
Excellent show Gary

QOTD: I drink a heap of German Reislings. Living in HK they’re a must for being so food friendly and so diverse. For Chinese, Thai and Indian they’re perfect; it’s just a shame that the locals in HK don’t relise this and insist on drinking Bordeaux andonly Bordeaux.

Cheers
Andrew
September 1, 2008

Christopher
Compared to New World style riesling I love the subtlety and acidity of the German Rieslings. Hearing the comment about what is it about the TBA – not just the sugar, perhaps it is the sugar that really helps to transport all of the other tastes so well.

Also to watch out for is Spätbergunder / Pinot Noir. German Red wine has a recent history of being quite ordinary however I am discovering a lot of great Spätburgunder that is really inline with more modern expectations and also demonstration world class German winmaking expertise.
September 1, 2008

JudeMurphy
It was a gewurtstraminer and it was awful. I will certainly try more of them though, to give them a chance!
September 1, 2008

LudwigVan
QOTD: yeah, I’m little late but I am way behind with wltv after vacation, so, its at this very moment 2007 Weissburgunder Joachim Heger from the german region of Baden. This is more light than Riesling but for me, besides a good Muskateller it is the perfect summer wine. Real good Weissburgunder kan easy knock out good Rieslings!
September 1, 2008

LudwigVan
QOTD: yeah, I’m little late but I am way behind with wltv after vacation, so, its at this very moment 2007 Weissburgunder Joachim Heger from the German region of Baden. This is more light than Riesling but for me, besides a good Muskateller it is the perfect summer wine. Real good Weissburgunder can easy knock out good Rieslings!
September 2, 2008

M
QOTD: This summer I had a Washington State Riesling that had some sort of association with a German producer. Also this summer I bought Wein & Sektgut Thielen Merlen Fettgarten Riesling Spatlese. I haven’t opened it yet.
September 3, 2008

Daniel Schlossberg
dont remember having had a reisling yet…its on my list to try!
September 17, 2008

Penney
I can’t remember the last German wine that I had. But it was most likely a Riesling.
October 2, 2008

yowens
Thanks for another good show GV. I always get all those German wine terms mixed up. QOTD: Cant remember
November 14, 2008

mjr
good show mott
3 x 90 plus point white wines. specdracula. i’m gonna look out for some spaetlese rieslings. thanks.
recent good riesling = kung fu girl riesling

mike russell
tokyo
January 20, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
My German heritage for the win! Soon as I saw this episode I knew it would be a good day for you. I own a couple 2005 JJ Prum Ausleses that I cant wait to open in the future. German reislings are def. a wine I could drink almost every day. QOTD: The German bubbly I mentioned a few episodes back….. belch. However, that will not stop me from hording German wines for future ( and sometimes current ) drinkage.
May 19, 2009

nnothing
qotd: ummm a vertikal riesling either spatlese or auslese i don’t remember.
September 8, 2009

A Common Touch, Uncommon Appeal - The Pour Blog - NYTimes.com
[...] 2. Dialogue with a bottle of riesling. [...]
November 19, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Konvikt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Auslese 1971, first auslese i’ve had but excellent balance of sweetness.