May 31, 2010
AOC Alsace
W.J. Deutsch & Sons
One of my earliest wine trips, back when I first started studying wine, was to Alsace and Germany. All of the reading I had done prior to the trip had not really prepared me enough for how picturesque Alsace truly is. I was there during the summertime and one of the things that I will never forget is the window boxes (and every house had them) that overflowed with flowers – in fact there were flowers everywhere – beautiful and vibrant. Perhaps that’s why Riesling always strikes me as such an alive and colorful grape. Drinking Riesling is more than a tasting experience, I find it to be a visual experience as well. One sip and I am picturing colors (usually a lot of green), medieval buildings, sun and flowers everywhere.
Take for instance the Pierre Sparr Riesling, our wine of the week. Try tasting this wine a little bit differently – do it with your eyes closed. As you smell the wine and its aromas of peaches, apricots and limes, close your eyes and see what images come to your mind. Then taste the wine and do the same. What images do the flavors in your mouth make you think of? Of course everyone experience will be different, but I hope you will discover, as I did, the vibrant (and colorful) flavors of Riesling.
For more information on this wine, please check out its page in our Buying Guide.
If you have a chance to taste this wine, with friends or over dinner, I'd love to hear from you. Please send me your thoughts.