...And to drink?
Riesling is my favourite white grape bar none, and my favourite Rieslings are German. Yet for some reason I don’t drink very much German wine. I’ve pondered why this might be, and I think it’s because my ideal German wine is something light, delicate and very gently sweet from the Mosel region. These ethereal creations are best drunk on their own, but I tend to have food in mind when I shop for wine. It’s not easy to get hold of good German wine. Most supermarkets and high-street off-licences have a very limited selection. Happily, some wine merchants do take their German wine very seriously, such as Tanners of Shrewsbury. For those who can’t get to Shrewsbury, there is a mail-order service: www.tanners-wines.co.uk
Kurt Hain Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2011, £12.60
This is pretty much my idea of Riesling heaven. It somehow manages to be rich and delicate at the same time, with floral flavours, apples and a very long finish.
Tanners Mosel Riesling 2011, £11.30
This is made by one of Germany’s top producers, Max Ferdinand Richter. I love its scent of honey and apple blossom. It starts sweet but finishes bone-dry.
Dr BürklinWolf Wachenheimer Riesling Trocken 2013, £13.95
Something a little diff erent, from the Rhine, whereas the others are from Mosel. It’s warmer there, and this makes the wines stronger and spicier. I love it youthful zestiness. It’s packed with limes and smells of ginger and cinnamon.
Tesco Finest Slovenian Riesling 2013, £7.99: www.tesco.com
One for the high-street shopper, from Slovenia. It’s peachy, fresh and a little bit floral.
Kurt Hain Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2011, £12.60
This is pretty much my idea of Riesling heaven. It somehow manages to be rich and delicate at the same time, with floral flavours, apples and a very long finish.
Tanners Mosel Riesling 2011, £11.30
This is made by one of Germany’s top producers, Max Ferdinand Richter. I love its scent of honey and apple blossom. It starts sweet but finishes bone-dry.
Dr BürklinWolf Wachenheimer Riesling Trocken 2013, £13.95
Something a little diff erent, from the Rhine, whereas the others are from Mosel. It’s warmer there, and this makes the wines stronger and spicier. I love it youthful zestiness. It’s packed with limes and smells of ginger and cinnamon.
Tesco Finest Slovenian Riesling 2013, £7.99: www.tesco.com
One for the high-street shopper, from Slovenia. It’s peachy, fresh and a little bit floral.