…Is often left out, misrepresented and passed over as a result of the common association of its varietal. It’s kind of like being grouped with other people by quick association…you know especially what I mean when at the holidays, “Oh, you’re from that side of the family” or “you’re his son.”
Associating too quickly makes us unfairly judge the character of plenty of things, and while I can’t suggest nor deter you from what you choose to do with your family and relatives over the holidays, I will deter you from judging a wine by association. After all, the 7th wine of Swissmas might just be what ends up at your table for the holidays and fills your glass with what gets you through the family you’d rather not associate with.
Ok…out with it! It’s a Riesling. NOT a sweet, “oh my goodness let me just go get a glass of sugar water” Riesling, but a much more satisfying, easy to pace yourself with white. Now, Riesling by nature indeed is a wine containing an increased level of sugar as compared to many other whites, even those that are considered dry. However, as I suggested, thinking that all Rieslings are too sweet for a drier, more acidic palate to enjoy is false.
Germany is a centuries-old world center for Rieslings and our friends from Weingut Gebrüder Ludwig (Ludwig Brothers Winery) in Thörnich, Germany have been producing the full spectrum of Rieslings in their family line since the 17th century.
The slate sloping hillsides along the Mosel River provide a mineral-rich, superbly drained landscape in Germany’s cool climate for Riesling production. Meike and Thomas Ludwig produce several Rieslings that pack the sweetness commonly associated with the varietal however one of our staff favorites at Swiss Cellars has become the Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett.
Weingut Gebrüder Ludwig – Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett
2013 Weingut Gebr. Ludwig – Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett – Avg. Retail: $14-$18 ABV: 9.5%
This Riesling because of its Kabinett distinction means it has not had additional sugar added to it in the wine-making process. Not to say it does not already have a decent natural sweetness, but it does maintain a light, fruity and mineral nature very unique to the Mosel River Valley. The lower alcohol content and nature of this wine make it an outstanding aperitif or to be served with light dishes.
Surprise a few people over the holidays and try one at your gatherings. You can find this Ludwig Brothers wine in Wisconsin at:
MADISON / SOUTHERN WI: Hy-Vee (Madison Stores), Brasserie V, Grapes 2 Glass, Uncorkt, Vom Fass State Street, Woodman’s of Janesville, Bushel & Pecks, Alp & Dell, and the Concourse Hotel in Downtown Madison.
MILWAUKEE AREA: Kanpai Izakaya, Tosa Wine & Spirits, Daybreak Mobil, Fine Vineyard, Larry’s Brown Deer Market and Thief Wine.
NORTHEAST / CENTRAL WI: OGAN Restaurant, The Green Fountain Inn, Main Street Market and Cujak’s Wine Market.
As always, ask for it if it’s not available currently at your favorite local place and for more information on this wine, or any others you’ve read about in the 12 Wines of Swissmas, visit www.swisscellars.com or follow and message us on Twitter or Instagram @SwissCellars – We’ll keep our posts brief when we give you more information, updates and info on where to buy and find our wines.
Cheers!
@TripleJx