While I am sure Julian will also have something to say on this, I would like to add a few comments here.
I am a known sceptic if it comes to high alcohol wines. I almost feel 12.5% is the limit for white and 13.5% for red, although I appreciate that there are excellent Rieslings, for example, that come in the 13+ range - especially the bone dry great growths. So if being sceptic with regards to high alcohol level is old fashioned, I would be old fashioned too.
Luckily, German reds with 14% or more are rare. This Syrah is among the strongest German reds we have reviewed on the Wine Rambler - nothing more than 13.5%. So no reason to panic just yet! However, we have come across a few whites that are very strong: Julian, for instance, a while ago tasted a German 14.5% Pinot Blanc - to quote: 'Now Bercher needs to do something about alcohol levels, and they have a killer.' On Sunday, I took it even further and opened a Pinot Blanc that clocked in at 15%. And guess what, it came from the Mosel - Markus Molitor. To my surprise, it was actually drinkable, smooth and well balanced for 15%.
My point is that if it works I have no problem with this, as a wine for special occasions. I would make a similar argument for planting international grapes in Germany: if this produces good wines at reasonable price levels, why not? Of course it would be a shame if Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon would take over the German vineyards and make what makes Germany special disappear. Luckily, I do not think we do even need to consider worrying about it yet.
At the moment I just enjoy having more variety, being surprised every so often and learn how certain varietals could be interpreted in Germany.
So you will find more on this on the Wine Rambler, but not at the expense of the good old classics, from Riesling to Pinot Noir!
In reply to Thanks for the ramble:) by David Strange
International wines in Germany; 15% alcohol
David,
While I am sure Julian will also have something to say on this, I would like to add a few comments here.
I am a known sceptic if it comes to high alcohol wines. I almost feel 12.5% is the limit for white and 13.5% for red, although I appreciate that there are excellent Rieslings, for example, that come in the 13+ range - especially the bone dry great growths. So if being sceptic with regards to high alcohol level is old fashioned, I would be old fashioned too.
Luckily, German reds with 14% or more are rare. This Syrah is among the strongest German reds we have reviewed on the Wine Rambler - nothing more than 13.5%. So no reason to panic just yet! However, we have come across a few whites that are very strong: Julian, for instance, a while ago tasted a German 14.5% Pinot Blanc - to quote: 'Now Bercher needs to do something about alcohol levels, and they have a killer.' On Sunday, I took it even further and opened a Pinot Blanc that clocked in at 15%. And guess what, it came from the Mosel - Markus Molitor. To my surprise, it was actually drinkable, smooth and well balanced for 15%.
My point is that if it works I have no problem with this, as a wine for special occasions. I would make a similar argument for planting international grapes in Germany: if this produces good wines at reasonable price levels, why not? Of course it would be a shame if Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon would take over the German vineyards and make what makes Germany special disappear. Luckily, I do not think we do even need to consider worrying about it yet.
At the moment I just enjoy having more variety, being surprised every so often and learn how certain varietals could be interpreted in Germany.
So you will find more on this on the Wine Rambler, but not at the expense of the good old classics, from Riesling to Pinot Noir!