Don't Fear the Grape

If it’s a German Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese, YES!

I recently had a 2003 Josef Friederich Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese Riesling. A 2003, you say? And you drank it in 2010? Yes. This wine is proof that a high-sugar content white wine CAN age and remain drinkable for quite a while (quite a while in the life of a white, anyway).

This Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese is from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, and has an alcohol content of 8.5%. It’s a beautiful straw-to-golden yellow color with a medium depth and yet quite clear. Its nose is moderate with scents of honey and peach. As one may parse, this is a sweet riesling with a medium body and smooth acidity. Along with low tannins, this is a VERY drinkable wine, and best served alone. The flavors consist of honey, peach and even a hint of citrus and pear with a nice, long finish. I was surprised by how flavorful and complex this wine has remained in seven years of aging.

All in all, a very nice surprise! It’s sweet, flavorful with a very slight effervescence, and out of a 5-star rating I give it 3.5-4. So if you find yourself with a German riesling that you might think is past its prime, open it and give it a try! I know I will.

Last Friday I had the pleasure of having my first glass of the 2009 Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau with a small group of friends. While I did anticipate tasting it for the first time, I was still skeptical due to my past experiences with the Duboeuf, because in past years it hasn’t been what I would call ‘drinkable’ due to flaws like bitterness and even mustiness. But all 2009 Beaujolais are supposed to be the best in fifty years. Yes, 50 years! This is due to excellent growing conditions such as weather and overall climate. On our Beaujolais Nouveau podcast, we tasted a Beaujolais Villages Nouveau, which was very good, and I looked forward to comparing it to the Duboeuf.

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