Saturday, we are heading North — Northern Europe that is. We’ll be tasting some cooler climate grapes from Germany and Austria that are perfect for summer weather. Think cool and crisp with refreshing acid. Plus, you can pronounce such words as Zweigelt, Niederösterreich, Königsfels and Schlossbockelheime, all which roll off the tongue after a few sips on a hot afternoon.
2014 Biohof Pratsch, Grünier Veltliner Weinviertel DAC $17
Biohof Pratsch is an organically certified winery in the appellation of Niederösterreich in Austria. The family business goes back about 8 generations. This Grünier has aromas of herbs, nuts and pepper, followed by lots of fruit and animating acidity.
2014 Dr. Heyden, Silvaner Trocken Alte Reben $13
From the Rheinhessen in Germany, this Silvaner comes from 50 year old vines. This is a great introduction to Silvaner or a fine example even if you are old friends. Lemongrass and herb notes lend a zesty herbaceousness to this medium-bodied wine. It’s dry on the palate, with tart but concentrated white peach and grapefruit flavors accented by a dusty, smoky minerality.
2014 Paul Anheuser, Schlossbockelheimer Konigfels Riesling Kabinett $16
The Anheuser family has been making wine for 14 generations (one black sheep spun off at one point to make beer in America) The Königsfels (‘King’s fields’) is a single vineyard site solely owned by the Anheuser family It sits on the upper Nahe river where it’s incredibly steep rocky slopes made of porphyry (a type of igneous) rock makes viticulture incredibly challenging, but very rewarding as its southerly slope as well as moderating temperature and reflective powers of the river make complex, concentrated wines There’s a particularly lean, light-footed quality to this minerally off-dry Riesling. The palate boasts fresh lemon and lime flavors shaded in savory tones of earth, dust and bee pollen. The finish is long and lemony.
2016 Schafer Dry Rose $13
Pinot Noir
The Schäfer family has been cultivating vines since 1709. This Pinot Rosé comes from their organic vineyards in the Rheinhessen. A delicate and dry Rose featuring aromas and flavors of wild strawberries, peach and pear backed by crisp, refreshing acidity.
2013 Biohof Pratsch, Zweigelt $14 1ltr
Certified organic, Pratsch’s Zweigelt has dark red fruit aromas of black currant, spices, and cherry. It has raspberry, cherry, spices and black pepper on the palate with well-integrated acidity. It is a great summer red that can take a bit of chill on a warm day.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.