September 1, 2018
An outstanding introduction, aka entry-level, wine from Schloss Gobelsburg winery. From vineyards in the village of Zobing, in the heart of the Kremstal wine region. This has a pure, crisp, citrus and green apple skin, petrol-laced aroma that is classic for dry Riesling. Lean and muscular throughout yet not lacking for flavor nor intensity. A slightly oily texture and a mouthful-of-pebbles earthiness continue it’s very (dry) Riesling theme. If you like high acid wines with less fruity character, this wine is for you. Terry Theise on the Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling Zobing 2016: “There’s a spring-onion sweetness; intricate and sapid green […]
May 7, 2018
Zweigelt and St Laurent, two red grapes most associated with Austria, make this delicious Rosé wine. Smell and taste red plums, raspberries, blood orange, cracked pepper and basil. Dry as can be, a sizzle of acidity, both refreshing and substantial. This winner is a bargain amongst bargains. Schloss Gobelsburg continues to be one of Austria’s best and best-knows top tier wineries. You are assured to have a good wine in your hands if it’s from Gobelsburg. Good news is that their wines are quite available in California.
March 25, 2018
The racy acidity, intensity and of-the-earth, rocky flavor of Riesling shines through in this delicious, great value Austrian Riesling. Fruit comes from terraced, rocky vineyards in the Kamptal region, part of Austria’s top winegrowing area (along with the Wachau and Kremstal). This is loaded with smells and flavors of citrus, stone fruits, white flowers and rocks! Very dry, laser-like and intense, this shows what Austria can do with Riesling, and at a fantastic price.
March 14, 2018
Nigl, one of Austria’s best known wineries for making quality wine, presents Freiheit (Freedom in German) as their entry-level Gruner. It’s lip-smacking good. Medium-high acidity, apple, grapefruit and crunchy pear smells and flavors along with subtle, tell-tale varietal sensations of white pepper, celery root, fennel and green lentils (not to intimidate you with the last three…you need to search for these flavors to get them, really). Enjoy this as you would a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio…a really good one!