Lingenfelder Scheurebe 2004



Rainer Lingenfelder

   Attended a trade tasting yesterday where I had the pleasure of meeting this 13th generation winemaker from the Pfalz region of Germany. Rainer Lingenfelder was in Dublin to showcase his wines with his 16 year old son who seems to be following in his father's footsteps.


"Bird label"

 Their introductory range, Vineyard Creatures, is available here in a Riesling and Gewurztraminer and although serious wines showing great varietal flavours, Rainer told me that with this range he has removed the  "Wine Speak" as he calls it from the label in the hope that it will make it more consumer-friendly. Each wine from this range is also called after an animal from the vineyard and have a very distinctive label designed by atirst, Chuck House. The Riesling or Bird label pictured here is an off-dry riesling yet crisp and fresh and tastes anything but introductory.

 My firm favourite is still their Scheurebe which is an unusual grape variety ( a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner) however apparently widely planted in this region. The name comes from the man who invented it in 1916 called Scheu with Rebe literally translating into vine. Rainer told me how it was a difficult grape to cultivate and unless handled with care can result in an acidic sharp wine. In contrast this a highly aromatic wine with aromas of star fruit and passion fruit. A lovely full bodied white with  exotic fruit flavours and some nutmeg present. No oak used in this wine and medium to slightly sweet finish. Give this a try with some asian food as an alternative to Gewurztraminer, it's also only 10.5% alcohol so a good lunching wine. Sells for €17.99

Till Next time

Clare

Cellars, the Big Wine Warehouse