Schloss Johannisberg 2018 Riesling Feinherb
Many foreign wine labels can be frustrating for us to decipher. Despite the language barriers we may encounter, a good wine is universal. Hidden behind daunting German words and a luxurious manor, I came across a promising and vibrant young wine.
In the heart of Germany’s Rheingau region lies the Schloss Johannisberg estate, one of the country’s most revered vineyards. In this terroir, riesling performs exceptionally well. To learn more about the estate, read about my visit here.
Since this wine comes from such prestige, I tried to avoid the errors of suggestion a winetaster may fall into. Despite my skepticism, I was thoroughly impressed. As I eagerly poured the wine, a pale hue of gold filled the glass. I was greeted by a pleasant perfume of peach blossoms, clementines, and honey. The sweet perfume lingered in the back of my throat even before my first sip.
On the palate, I felt like I was biting into a juicy ripe pear, with a slight effervescence to excite my taste buds. The wine was medium bodied with a high acidity that suited the off dry (Feinherb) style. Examining further, I smelled notes of wet stone. The finish had an amiable green apple character.
Cheese Pairing
Gooey, earthy, and enticingly pungent. This is classic Camembert, produced in its birthplace of Normandy, France. Here the Tremblaye farm allow organic and agroforestry principles to guide their animal husbandry. Just as important, they make sure their cattle get enough T.L.C. (tender love and care). Happy cows make the best cheese!
The smooth and cool acidity of the riesling cut perfectly into this creamy cheese. I also found the mushroom notes of the cheese to nicely complement the fruit of the wine. If you’re in N.Y.C. you can pick up this great Camembert at Cheese Plate in Park Slope.
Closing notes
Four years into its’ life, this wine is beginning to come into its own. Great to drink now, but it would benefit from developing in the bottle for at least another four years. Keep in mind, well-crafted riesling like this can age for decades. At Schloss Johannisberg, this Gelblack (yellow seal) is the first tier of their quality levels, ascending to bronze, silver, and finally, gold. With a strong wine at its foundation, I look forward to tasting my way up the ranks!
