Step into Spring!

Spring is just around the corner, and 'tis the season for great white wines! Recently our "wine committee" took an afternoon away from the office to sample fine wines from the best of German winemakers. Cordially sponsored by two of our purveyors, the tasting event provided a showcase for over 60 different wines from a group of more than two dozen of Germany's very best producers. Wine production in Germany is predominantly that of white wines, and Riesling is easily the most popular grape planted. Finding a favorite can be an adventure - here's a quick guide to some of the most common label questions for German wines.

Ripeness of the grapes at harvest is a major determinant in German labeling. Indicators such as "Kabinett" and "Auslese" describe how late in the season grapes were picked. Grapes left later on the vine will generally produce more sugars, and will often result in a sweeter final product. However, exceptions occur, and some late-harvest grapes are used to produce drier-style wines also. Tips for understanding labels:

Kabinett: grapes are ripe; often the lightest of wines on this scale
Spatlese: late-harvest grapes; more intense flavor and sweetness
Auslese: very late-harvest; hand-selected; very intense flavors
Beerenauslese: "incredibly" late harvest; showing signs of "Noble Rot" (bitrytis fungus - no worries - it's a good thing that adds complex flavors!)
Eiswein: grapes are allowed to freeze on the vine, then are picked and pressed while still frozen. Not produced every year, only when the perfect conditions allow. These wines are absolutely delicious, with a depth and complexity of sweetness unrivaled in other styles.

Confused? Perfectly normal - the German wine rules & classifications are rivaled only by those of France for their complexity!

Here at 518 West we offer two fabulous examples of Riesling Kabinett, from Reichsgraf von Kesselstat and also the Haart Goldtropfchen. Both are listed at under $40, and are an even better value at half-price on Mondays! Enjoy them simply as an apertif, or with lighter fare from our menu. Either way, we feel they are great examples for any wine drinker.

Go ahead - break routine and "step into spring" with German Riesling!