TN: German Pinot Gris

Jul 23, 2008 4 Replies

With pork chops, caprese salad,and a green salad the 2007 Keller Grauburgunder Trocken (Rheinhessen). On minerally end of the Pinot Gris specturm, though there is a solid body of white peach and spiced pear fruit. Dry, medium-bodied, good acidity,good finish. This was one of those wines I occasionally run into that does everything right- but still doesn't really push my buttons. I think I'm Pinot Gris/Grigio challenged, I seldom love one (with the exception of a couple of Alsace SGNs). This is as good a dry PG as I've had, but still can only muster up enthusiasm to B level. I'm guessing others will like more.



Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.


I haven't had any German Pinot Gris just Alsatian. I didn't even know they made them. Are they similar in taste profile?

"Lawrence Leichtman" wrote ...........

Hi Larry

In German, PG is known as Ruländer or Grauburgunder.

st.helier

Germany has a long history of growing Rulander aka Grauburgunder grapes for wine. The best tends to come from the south Pfalz, and especially from Baden. One of the best districts is the Kaiserstuhl in Baden which has volcanic soil and a quite warm(for Germany) climate. There are several wine villages in this area, many of which make good to outstanding wine. It tends to be softer than some wines of Germany, often is sold dry, and has a high alcohol content. It is only a short distance across the river to Alsace. The dryer versions tend to get sold as Grauburgunder these days, although one still finds Rulander on some labels, especially for sweet, late harvest wines. Wines from Baden can be difficult to find in the US and likely in many other countries. The Germans are more than willing to drink this wine with meals. I still have a few bottles of Bickensohler Steinfelsen Rulander Auslese 1976. This is a quite sweet and tropical auslese with enough acid to balance and it is not lacking in alcohol ether. A friendly importer special ordered a case of this for me from Germany in the late 70s.

I will have to try them as I am a fan of Alsatian Pinot Gris.

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