German Wine Fair, Riesling & Co. World Tour 2013, Toronto, Ontario

It was with great anticipation I attended the trade portion of this show, in the afternoon of May 28, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario. Just to tell you how much I enjoy German Wines, I made a four hour trip to attend this event. In my 30 years of enjoying, tasting and purchasing wines, of them mostly German Riesling, I was definitely looking forward to taste other varieties like Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Sylvaner.






Red Wines;

Pinot Noir;

I tasted 8 Pinot Noir (PN) (local name is Spätburgunder) in total from the regions of Ahr and Baden. They were definitely more Burgundy in style than let’s say California’s, lighter bodied reds with sweet and sour fruit flavours, strong mineral notes and fine dusty tannins. I did enjoy both Pinot Noir from Salwey in Baden but definitely preferred their Grand Cru (Grosses Gewächs) 2010. A dry PN with a fuller bodied, more complexity with flavours of sweet and sour red fruit, floral and spicy notes and mild tannins. I also tasted all four PN from Meyer-Näkel in Baden and found them to be very interesting, but again preferred their Grand Cru 2010, with a strong earthy and mineral presence throughout.  


White Wines;

Pinot Gris;

I tasted 3 Pinot Gris (local name is Grauburgunder) in total, from the regions of Baden and Nahe. All were very enjoyable with the standout from Weingut IM Zwölberich Grauburgunder C 2011 in Nahe a medium weight Pinot Gris with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. With its beautiful creamy texture, bright acidity and citrusy flavours. Salwey Grauburgunder 2011 was also very nice.

Sylvaner;

I only tasted two of them, both from the same winery Graf von Schönborn. I have purchased these wines in the past and find them to be very versatile at the table with so many food pairing possibilities. I quite enjoyed Graf von Schönborn Silvaner Kabinett “Alte Reben” 2011, from old vines with a low alcohol at 12.5%, fresh acidity and fruity flavours.

Riesling;

Riesling is truly the Queen of German wine making, and for me, the Queen of white grapes, period. There is something so special about German Rieslings, their complex aromatics, great mouthfeel, with its fruity  flavours, but well balanced by its vibrant acidity. This makes them very flavourful and a great joy to drink. In all, I tasted 27 of them, in every sweetness level, from dry to Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and one Beerenauslese.

• The standout by far was the lineup from Gunderloch located in Rheinhessen, all of their wines were perfectly balanced and so delicious. Gunderloch Beerenauslese 2008 was absolutely spectacular, my last wine tasted and a sweet ending to this fair.

• Of the 10 Riesling Kabinett tasted, the standout by far was Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Kabinett 2006. A superb example of how complex these wines can be when given some time in bottle. In my descriptors I wrote “classic” and delicious beside these other two Kabinett; Schloss Schönborn Erbach Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2011 and St. Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2011.

• Of the 9 Riesling Spätlese tasted, three of them stood out for me. Starting with Moselland Goldschild, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2012 from Mosel, a classic Spätlese with low alcohol of 7.5%. Also from Mosel, Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese 2011 and finally Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothberg Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Rheinhessen.

• Of the 7 Riesling Auslese tasted, two of them really stood out for me. Weingut von Hövel Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Auslese 2007 from Rheingau and Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothberg Riesling Auslese 2011 from Rheinhessen, both of them absolutely stunning.

Here are my top 15 wines tasted at this Fair;

1- Bollig-Lehnert Droner Hofberger Riesling Auslese 2009 from Mosel

2- Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Mosel

3- Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothberg Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Rheinhessen

4- Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothberg Riesling Auslese 2011 from Rheinhessen

5- Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothberg Riesling Beerenauslese 2008 from Rheinhessen

6- Weingut von Hövel Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Auslese 2007 from Rheingau

7- Moselland Goldschild, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2012 from Mosel

8- Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2010 from Mosel

9- Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Kabinett 2006 from Mosel

10- Salwey Spätburgunder “Grosses Gewächs” 2011 from Baden

11- Schloss Schönborn Erbach Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 2011 from Rheingau

12- Graf von Schönborn Silvaner Kabinett “Alte Reben” 2011 from Franken

13- St. Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2011 from Mosel

14- St. Urbans-Hof Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese 2011 from Mosel

15- Weingut IM Zwölberich Grauburgunder C 2011 from Nahe

                           

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the Fair as a whole; a beautiful venue, music and food.  Music, with a DJ supplying nice background music, in sync with the tempo of the room. The superb food catered for this event paired quite well with the wine and made the whole afternoon a memorable one.

Prost
Paul YWG

My top three enjoyed wines for May 2013

This was a very interesting month for me on the wine front. I spent five days in New York City, browsing through as many wine shop as I could, with my favourite two being; the Burgundy Wine Company and Crush Wine & Spirit. I also enjoyed some memorable wines in a few wine bars in NY. Apart from the Domaine Cros de la Mûre, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Massif D’ Uchaux 2007 which I reviewed on this blog, I also enjoyed a glass of dry Riesling at Terroir Wine Bar, Carl Ehrhard Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Feinherb 2010, which was very interesting, I would describe as crisp, refreshing and edgy. It was also with great pleasure that I attended the German Wine Fair in Toronto on May 28 (more on that fair in a future post).  While in Toronto, friends and I had an awesome evening at Skin + Bones Wine Bar, enjoying a bottle of Seven Hills Merlot 2009 from Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley, Washington state (wish I had taken a photo for a review). I would not want to end this post without mentioning a few wines which did not make my top three picks but deserve some recognition; Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 and Castello Di San Sano Guarnellotto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008.   

My top three wines in May

1- Ateca Atteca 2010, Aragon, Calatayud, Spain


http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/05/ateca-atteca-2010-aragon-calatayud-spain.html

In the number one spot, this was an easy pick. There is something special with Spanish Grenache, especially when it is this aromatic and sensuous. My only regret is not having purchased more bottles of this wine. Truly memorable.

2- Campigli Vallone ‘Terre Nere’ Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy


http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/05/campigli-vallone-terre-nere-brunello-di.html


There is a good reason why I have many Brunello’s in my cellar. With a little bottle ageing, these wines are always flavourful with so many food pairing possibilities.   


3- Beaulieu Vineyard BV Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/05/beaulieu-vineyard-bv-cabernet-sauvignon.html

I have never been disappointed by any of the wines from Beaulieu Vineyard. Always well balanced with subtle flavours and fine texture, like this wine here.

Campigli Vallone ‘Terre Nere’ Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy

A superb mature nose on this Brunello, with aromas of field berries, sour cherries, red currants, soft leather and lots of savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with alcohol coming in at 14%, excellent fruit-acid balance and silky tannins. The length on this Brunello finish is long, slightly hot with flavours of sweet berry fruit, savoury spices and a nice silky texture. This is a very nice Brunello, which is shows a beautiful maturing, elegant and feminine personality. At this price, strongly recommended. Score 91 points. 

    

Purchased February 16, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (208462) at $34.95

Château La Croix des Moines 2009, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

 

 

This wine is from the very good 2009 Bordeaux vintages and is a blend of 80% Merlot with the remaining 20% equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the grapes are hand-harvested and the wines are matured in oak barrels for 14 months, alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

A deep ruby in color, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, dried violets, damp heart and prunes. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with spicy fruit flavours, mild acidity and firm tannins. Robust with good weight and texture on the finish, rich flavours and persistent tannins lingering. Nice and enjoyable plummy Merlot, made to be enjoyed at the table. Score 88 points.

Purchased April 9, 2012 at the SAQ (973057) at $24.85

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California. USA

 

 

This wine is made with mostly Zinfandel, at 77%, the remaining 23% is Petit Syrah with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

 

This wine opened up with aromas of red cherry, plum, wild berries, soft leather, spicy and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with ripe fruit concentration, spicy, fresh acidity and silky tannins. The finish is long, spicy with sweet and tart flavours and fine silky tannins. A lovely, well made Zinfandel, were the fruit is ripe and oak treatment is well handled, nothing overdone. Perfect paired with anything from the BBQ or can sip on its own, was very enjoyable. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.    

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (942599) at $19.95



Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of May 25, 2013 - Glorious German Riesling and My picks for...

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR), the two main focus of this NR are "Pinot Noir's Sense of Place" and German Riesling. When the warmer summer months approach, the choice of lighter wines with lower alcohol and light tannins are often a better and more enjoyable alternative. Which means that Pinot Noir would be a fine choice, but unfortunately most of the Pinot Noir's offered in this NR are uninspiring. As for the German Rieslings, if you are a fan, you will be very happy with the selection offered (more on that later). As for the rest of this NR, there is a very strong selection of both white and red French wines and a decent Italian reds on offer.

Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, Which one would that be? Dr. Herman Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005 from Mosel (324285) at $21.95. Why? Are you kidding me, a mature German Riesling for $21.95. A definite most for fans of German Riesling. Now apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;

Starting with white wines;

·         For fans of Chardonnay's, here are three of them to consider from three different countries and price points; Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay 2011 from Chile (004515) at $17.95, Saint-Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (317651) at $25.95 and Saintsbury Chardonnay 2010 from California (359281) at $29.95.

·         Here is a well priced Sauvignon Blanc from la Loire Valley; Domaine Lecomte Quincy 2011 from France (172528) at $18.95.

Now for the red wines;

·         My only recommended Pinot Noir from this NR featured; Domaine Chofflet-Valdenaire Givry 2009 from France (330183) at $26.95.

·         For fans of traditional, good value, slightly rustic style of Chianti Classico; Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (211599) at $16.95.

·         If you have never tasted John Glaetzer Margarete's Shiraz before, this is definitely an interesting and rich style of Shiraz; John's Blend No. 14 Margarete's Shiraz 2008 from Australia (927657) at $39.95. Now let's get started;

Glorious German Riesling;  If you have been following my blog for a while now, you would most likely know that German Riesling are by far my favourite white wine. Which is why I am so excited to attend next week in Toronto, "The Wines of Germany" event on Tuesday May 28. People who live in Toronto are very fortunate, they are so many wine events organized in this city, which never make their way to Ottawa. I don't usually travel to Toronto just for a wine event, but these are wines of Germany after all and I felt that I still have a great deal to learn about German wines. Including the opportunity of tasting Silvaner and Pinot Noir. Now, here are three of those German Riesling which I would like to feature;

·         Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2011 from Mosel (160853) at $19.95 - sweetness level - medium, beautiful off-dry Riesling perfect for patio sipping with alcohol coming in at a low of 8%.

·         Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling 2011 from Germany (324335) at $19.95 - sweetness level - dry, a light and crisp food friendly Riesling with alcohol coming in at 12.5%.

·         Dr. Herman Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005 from Mosel (324285) at $21.95 - sweetness level - medium sweet, I love Dr. Herman's wines, an awesome value for such a mature Riesling Auslese, alcohol coming in at 8%. Best paired with spicy Thai or Indian food.

My picks for...; I thought that I might give you my picks by these predominant grapes or blend or region;

·         My French wine pick; Domaine des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 from France (057042) at $17.95 - Made with 100% Chenin Blanc with fermentation and maturation in thermo-regulated vats and alcohol comes in at 13.5%. Food suggestion; aperitif, chicken, pork, sushi, seafood and goat cheese.

·         My French red pick; Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 (719120) at $38.95 - This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre with Cinsault and other varieties 2%, maturation taking place in 60% in large oak barrels and 40% in old casks for 12 months, alcohol comes in at 14%, subjective pairing leg of lamb.

·         My Malbec pick; Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95 - This is also my best value of this NR, always delicious from one vintage to the next. This wine is made with 100% hand harvested Malbec, with aging in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

·         My Zinfandel pick; Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 from California (942599) at $19.95 - I could have also called this my BBQ pick. This wine is made with mostly Zinfandel, at 77% with the remaining 23% Petit Syrah with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. It would be fantastic paired with grilled steak hamburgers or stew.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (719120) at $38.95

2- John's Blend No. 14 Margarete's Shiraz 2008 from Australia (927657) at $39.95

3- Antolini Ca' Coato Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (320614) at $49.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95

2- Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (211599) at $16.95

3- Domaine des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 from France (057042) at $17.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 from California (942599) at $19.95

2- Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95

3- Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (327411) at $18.95

4- John's Blend No. 14 Margarete's Shiraz 2008 from Australia (927657) at $39.95

5- Yering Station Village Shiraz/Viognier 2010 from Australia (311431) at $21.95

6- Domaine Chofflet-Valdenaire Givry 2009 from France (330183) at $26.95

7- Château Lyonnat 2006 from France (243774) at $19.95

8- Château Rozier 2010 from France (024539) at $28.95

9- Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache 2011 from France (320499) at $18.95

10-Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (719120) at $38.95

11-La Gravillas Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2010 from France (264648) at $14.95

12-Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (211599) at $16.95

13-Poggio Verrano Chance 2005 from Italy (239707) at $34.95

14-Antolini Ca' Coato Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (320614) at $49.95

15-Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011 from Italy (719294) at $18.95

White Wines;

1- Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling 2011 from Germany (324335) at $19.95

2- Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2011 from Germany (160853) at $19.95

3- Dr. Herman Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005 from Germany (324285) at $21.95

4- Saintsbury Chardonnay 2010 from California (359281) at $29.95

5- Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay 2011 from Chile (004515) at $17.95

6- Saint-Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (317651) at $25.95

7- Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Pinot Gris 2010 from France (021253) at $19.95

8- Domaine des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 from France (057042) at $17.95

9- Domaine Lecomte Quincy 2011 from France (172528) at $18.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of June 8, 2013 where the featured segments are "Argentina: Land of Plenty" and Fine Gifts for Father's Day" A superb value Côte du Rhône 2010 which I have tasted this year at the Vancouver Wine Show is being released in Ontario in this June 8 release.

Cheers

Paul YWG

Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010, VQA Ontario, Canada

 

Baco Noir is a hybrid red wine grape variety produced by the cross of a French vitis vinifera Folle Blanche (this is one of the grape use for making Cognac) and a unknown variety of vitis riparia indigenous to North America. Today it is grown almost exclusively in North America and is usually a bit rustic, high in acid and low in tannins. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 is made with 100% Baco Noir from low yielding vines, some of them planted in 1984, with maturation in a combination of new and one/two years old American oak barrels for 15 months with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. 

A deep purple in color, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, plum, smoky, meaty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with rich and smoky flavours, fresh acidity and low tannins. Very good length on the finish with a combination of jammy flavours, mocha, sour cherries and savoury herbs. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir has always been an interesting wine with lots of flavours and a great performer during the BBQ season, paired with hamburgers, sausage, ribs or steak. Very enjoyable and flavourful, score 90 points.

Purchased September 15, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (461669) at $24.95