K&L Monthly Newsletter - Featuring The Wines of Germany and Austria

Now Available From K&L Wine Merchants... Monday May 22nd, 2017 [View in Browser]( [Special Germany Feature]( the end of 2016 our longtime wine buyer for Germany, Austria and Alsace, Eric Story, moved on from K&L to focus on his own wines that he produces with his wife, Ali, here in California under the [Smith Story Wine Cellars]( label. Thus I got my chance to take over these countries and regions that have long intrigued and inspired me. To be honest, I was excited but somewhat intimidated. All of these places have incredible historical and cultural legacies surrounding grape growing, not to mention some of the most convoluted wine regulations, laws and associations anywhere on the planet—for example, Germany has 1,500-plus classified vineyard sites and more than 6,000 commercial producers. However, there was one thing I was 100% sure about: these places produce some of the most incredible wines on the planet and almost all of them come at staggering values when compared to other places around the globe with such pedigree. My first few months of 2017 have been filled with tasting as much wine as possible and trying to get to grips with these new responsibilities. It has been enlightening to say the least. I have been flat-out amazed by the quality of wines I have encountered and the passion with which they have been presented to me by proprietors and distributors alike. There’s nothing like a wine that’s impossible to pronounce and even harder to sell to get us wine geeks fired up! Yet I think the most gratifying conclusion I have drawn so far is that these regions need not be intimidating. As I said to our staff at the first tasting I hosted: “If you wait for someone to come into the store looking for Alsatian Chasselas or an Elbling from Franken, chances are you’ll be waiting a long time. However, if someone ask you for a beautiful, fresh, mineral-driven white, these wines should be at the front of your mind!” To start with, here are a few wines that I doubt you’ll regret checking out: -Ryan Woodhouse, K&L Germany & Austria Buyer [View our electronic newsletter!]( Highlights this month include... Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2013 Borell-Diehl Pinot Noir Pfalz $14.99 [View]( Huber "Hugo" Sparkling Rosé $14.99 [View]( 2015 Bernhard Ott "Am Berg" Grüner Veltliner Wagram (Biodynamic) 90 $19.99 [View]( 2015 Buchegger Gebling Grüner Veltliner Kremstal 92 $19.99 [View]( 2015 Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken (Dry) Mosel (Biodynamic) $19.99 [View]( 2012 Salwey "Estate" Pinot Noir Baden 94 $19.99 [View]( 2015 Reinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett Mosel $24.99 [View]( 2015 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett Mosel $29.99 [View]( 2014 Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese** White Capsule Mosel 95 $44.99 [View]( 2015 Ökonomierat Rebholz Im Sonnenschein Pinot Blanc Grosses Gewächs Pfalz (Dry) 92 $88.99 [View]( [2013 Borell-Diehl Pinot Noir Pfalz]( ($14.99) Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 08, 2017 This is a more modern style of Pinot and there is plenty to enjoy about this fleshy red. Strawberry, cherry and mushroom aromas are followed by plenty of juicy fruit on the palate with a hint of white pepper towards the finish. This is a fuller style than some of the other German Pinot Noir I've recently tried but it is still quite refreshing. There is length to the finish and acidity that balances. Pairing suggestions include roasted game, grilled sausage and scallops. [Huber "Hugo" Sparkling Rosé]( [Huber "Hugo" Sparkling Rosé]( ($14.99) Wine & Spirits: "A blend of Zweigelt and Pinot Noir macerated for six hours on the skins, this has the heft for the dark meat of a turkey, with a slight sweetness and spice to its cranberry fruit." (04/2013) Wine Enthusiast: "This is a soft, creamy, strawberry- and caramel-flavored wine with lively acidity and a very crisp, citrusy aftertaste. Its an ideal apéritif-style wine, perfect for the summer." (09/2013) K&L Notes: 10th generation winegrower Markus Huber manages this 200+ year-old family operation, and it is under his expert leadership that Huber Hugo has gained international recognition as the star of Austria's Traisental region. His "Hugo" family of wines represent excellent values for everyday drinking. Made from a blend of Zweigelt and Pinot Noir from small single vineyards in the Traisental, this delicate and fresh sparkling rose offers juicy berry fruit and spice aromas and flavors with hints of mineral and citrus. It is dry (12g/l), with lively acidity and a creamy mousse. Crisp, fruit-driven yet creamy on the palate, this is a delicious sparkler to have on hand for easy entertaining. Serve chilled chilled and pair with white meats or grilled fish. Kelly]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 08, 2017 If there is one sparkling rose you need to try this summer, it is this one. A blend of Zweigelt and Pinot Noir, there is plenty of juicy strawberry and raspberry fruit with a hint of rose petals. The aromas indicate there could be some sweetness to this sparkler but it finishes dry and its creamy mousse is luscious. This is absolute fun to drink and should be a staple in your wine fridge for the summer season. Enjoy with fried chicken, grilled sausage or have a glass after a long day at work. [2015 Bernhard Ott "Am Berg" Grüner Veltliner Wagram (Biodynamic)]( [2015 Bernhard Ott "Am Berg" Grüner Veltliner Wagram (Biodynamic)]( ($19.99) 90 points Vinous: "Honeydew, fennel and lily-of-the-valley on the nose are joined by crunchy evocations of cucumber and cress on a bright yet subtly creamy palate that features positively invigorating phenolic cut as well as alluring inner-mouth perfume. Ore-like, stony intrigue lies beneath the surface of a buoyant, consummately refreshing finish. And this harmonious ripeness was ready for picking in mid-September, for a finished alcohol level of only 11.8 percent. Ott continues to purchase some fruit for this bottling from parcels whose organic farming and eventual harvest he oversees, though his goal for the near future is to rely only on vines he owns or rents. (DS)" (02/2017) 90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Friendly, crisp, fresh Conference pear flavors pervade nose and palate for a hit of crisp, green, refreshing fruitiness. The palate is smooth and balanced, light but fluid, mellow but fresh. The pear fruit lingers beautifully, rather languid for such a fresh wine. (AK)" (07/2016) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Ott's 2015 Grüner Veltliner Am Berg tries to balance a crisp freshness and a vinous character. The wine a collection of younger vines and purchased grapes opens with an intense but discreet bouquet of white pip and stone fruits along with lemon flavors. Intense, round and aromatic on the palate, this is a pure yet densely textured Veltliner with a lovely spiciness and salinity in the finish. Excellent quality for a so called entry-level wine. Crisp in the finish. (SR)" (06/2016) Jancis Robinson: "Apple peel, white fruit, spice, glassy texture with a lovely pith on the finish. Substantial and chewy. (RH)" (02/2016) K&L Notes: Bernhard is now fully biodynamic, and it really shows in the vineyards. He has life bursting among his vines, the soil is not compacted, and he sows multiple flowers and grasses in his rows to compete for water, aerate the soil, and return nitrogen back when he tills it under. In Austria he is a superstar, called "Mr. Veltliner" by his colleagues. These are grapes from various sites on the "Berg" (the terraced vines above Feuresbrunn) with loess-based soils. This exquisite Gruner is fresh, crisp, and well-defined, with classic Gruner aromas and flavors of green apple, stone fruits, and white pepper, with a snappy, mineral-driven finish. It is a sophisticated wine that is ready to drink and will pair beautifully with a variety of foods. Stevens]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 17, 2017 I have only recently discovered the world of Gruner Veltliner, which is a shame because I am forced to realize how long I have gone without drinking these delightful wines. Fortunately for me, seeing as I work for a company that brings in such delicious offerings of this fantastic variable. This being a case in point, seriously this wine has everything I want from this grape and area. Citrus blossom and herbaceous notes on the nose lead to a beautiful body, There is plenty of white stone fruit and apple that is driven and focused while remaining approachable. Long crisp finish and a low (only 12%) abv means this will be one of my go to wines this Spring and Summer. [2015 Buchegger Gebling Grüner Veltliner Kremstal]( [2015 Buchegger Gebling Grüner Veltliner Kremstal]( ($19.99) 92 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Editors' Choice* Pure notes of ripe but crisp pear on the nose turn into concentrated, herb-spiced pear and citrus notes on the palate: the ripeness of the pear vies with the zesty freshness and makes of a lively, vivid and most enjoyable and refreshing wine. This is crisp, light bodied but balanced and puts a little Austrian spring in your step. (AK)" (09/2016) K&L Notes: Importer's Notes: "To make good wine, says Walter Buchenegger has much to do with the art of living: You have to be a traditionalist, while facing new opportunity. You have to be patient and accept that you never can work against nature and you have to realize that shortcuts can lead to success in the short term, but are in the long term a dead end. - 100% Gruner Veltliner - Whole bunch pressing with a short maceration, then fermented at about 22 degrees in wooden barrels.The old vines on Gebling give the wine a dense and ripe fruit. A multi-faceted Veltliner with mineral notes." [2015 Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken (Dry) Mosel (Biodynamic)]( [2015 Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken (Dry) Mosel (Biodynamic)]( ($19.99) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Riesling Trocken has a clear, fresh and open bouquet followed by a refreshingly pure and piquant, nicely juicy and charmingly fruity palate. This wine was bottled at the end of September with 58 milligrams of sulfur (total) and just 10.4% alcohol. (SR)" (03/2017) K&L Notes: From Mosel Fine Wines: "The 2015er Estate Riesling Trocken comes from the Estate’s secondary vineyards (Pündericher Goldberg, Rosenberg and the east-facing part of the Pündericher Marienburg) as well as declassified fruit from its 'Grand Cru' vineyards. It offers a gorgeous nose of grapefruit, ripe pear and fresh spices. The wine proves nicely racy and elegant on the palate and leaves a zesty feel of herbs in the long and delicately powerful finish. 2017-2023." (10/2016) Jones]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 23, 2017 Wow! Lovely and elegant rose and floral aromas just jump out of the glass. In the mouth the Clemens Busch is pure, clean, crisp and dry with mineral flavors that make it even more interesting. This is a absolute joy to drink and is low in alcohol ( just under 11%). Green]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 13, 2017 The Clemens Busch Trocken has everything there is to like about a dry Mosel at a price that can't be beat. Pure and bright with great acidity and balance. Lovely slate nose laced with jasmine and a faint quince like savory note. The palate is pure and fine with great minerality and lovely ripe Meyer lemon fruit. A reasonably long dry finish and fine mineral residual top it off. Beautiful Riesling, fantastic value - what's not to like! [2012 Salwey "Estate" Pinot Noir Baden]( [2012 Salwey "Estate" Pinot Noir Baden]( ($19.99) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "*Cellar Selection* Exotic spice and cedar notes mingle amidst plump red cherries and raspberries on the nose of this perfumed Pinot Noir. Firm tannins form a taut foundation to crisp, tart raspberry and currant flavors and savory nuances of dried herb and crushed granite. It's a remarkably elegant, squarely structured wine that should meld beautifully over the next decade. (AI)" Jancis Robinson: "The Salwey estate has always been an absolute specialist in Pinot, be it Blanc, Gris or Noir. The style has changed somewhat in recent years, replacing an emphasis on power and opulence with greater elegance and structure." K&L Notes: Winery Notes: "The Salwey estate from the Kaiserstuhl area of Baden is truly a family operation, but also quite different. Though the Salwey family’s viticultural roots date back to the 18th century, the winery found international fame in the 1980’s and 1990’s under Wolf-Dietrich Salwey, considered one of Germany’s most outstanding Pinot specialists, and a kind of unofficial ambassador for the unique Pinot wines of the Baden. Now beginning its third generation led by Konrad Salwey, the estate is committed to the classic Kaiserstuhl varietals; Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Konrad is known for experimentation, to take chances with new techniques and procedures in the interest of advancing the style of vinification. The wines are always fermented completely dry and always characterized and defined by the Loess and vulcanic soil of the area. They require the absolute highest standards in tending to the vineyards. 100% of the selection is performed by hand and fermentation is done exclusively with natural yeast mostly in big oak ovals. They avoid fining of the wines and almost always bottle without filtration." McIntosh]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 05, 2017 This is true and pure expression of classic Pinot Noir from Baden! Incredibly aromatic it opens up with savory notes of cedar, cloves, forest floor, red cherries and a touch of baking spices. On the palate it's fresh yet savory, full of cherry and spice notes with great length and bright lift at the end. What a treat for such low price! Mabry]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2017 Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes but few are familiar with the versions produced in Germany. Well now, is definitely the time to get on board, as the Salwey delivers the smoky spices that I associate with the Baden region while also delivering ripe red fruit and savory spicy notes. I love cooler climate Pinots for their wilder brushy notes, and the Salwey is reminiscent of the wines of Marsannay and in riper vintages like this, maybe a meaty Pommard. This is exceptional terroir-driven Pinot that is not to be missed. Turk]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2017 Nimble, aromatic, rustic yet nuanced this incredibly tasty Pinot Noir from southern Germany seriously overdelivers for the price. Dark with plum fruit initially, the Salwey Estate also has subtle smoke and more obvious spice, with a lingering finish. While it drank beautifully upon first opening, this 2012 only got better with time as the considerable acidity softened and more concentrated berry fruit came forward. Lighter-bodied and focused, this shows off Badens volcanic soil but doesnt come across as sharp, just deliciously bright. I took home two bottles within days of each other, it was so good. Ragni]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 23, 2017 German Pinot Noir is some of the most underrated Pinot in the world. Germany produces Pinot with terroir, elegance and fruit for values not seen in other regions. Most of the Salwey vineyards are planted on volcanic soils in Baden which lends itself to aromas of smoke, savory meat and violets. The palate brings through flavors of plums, game and graphite. There is beautiful acidity and a finish that never ends. Enjoy with game birds or lamb. Vander Wall]( | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017 This is a great value in Pinot Noir! Don't balk at it's origin! Germany has been producing fantastic Pinot Noirs that tend to slip under the radar for a long time. This lovely wine is lighter in body, with soft, very fine tannin and elegant black cherry notes. Having aged already for a few years, the Pinot is very soft and open, ready to drink without having to decant for hours. This is easily one of the best buys for Pinot in this price range from anywhere in the store. [2015 Reinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett Mosel]( ($24.99) [2015 Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett Mosel]( ($29.99) Jancis Robinson: "Appealing nose of very pure Mosel Riesling. Impressive undertow. Very juicy and precise. Featherlight. Very racy. (JR)" (06/2016) K&L Notes: Just upstream from the famed Wehlener Sonnenuhr is the Graacher Himmelreich. With deeper, richer soils, this site is a little less steep and its south-west exposure ensures the wines from this site always have a racy and juicy acid background that really makes them sing. Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüm was founded in 1911 by Johann Josef Prüm. Today it is owned and managed by Dr. Manfred Prüm and his daughter Dr. Katharina Prüm. They focus solely on Riesling from famous sites like Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr and Bernkasteler Badstube. They are currently one of only nine wine estates in Germany ranked five stars by Gault Millau, which is the European wine world’s equivalent to the Michelin guide. Their Rieslings are renowned for their aging potential and are sought after by collectors. [2014 Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese** White Capsule Mosel]( [2014 Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese** White Capsule Mosel]( ($44.99) 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (White Capsule) opens with a clear and initially pretty 'Burgundian' bouquet, with yeasty and spicy as well as some sweet oak and lemon chutney flavors. When I re-tasted the wine from the same bottle again a couple of days later, it had become a clear, bright, fresh and concentrated Riesling from the Zeltingen Sonnenuhr. Full-bodied, very elegant, delicate and round on the palate, this is a lovely, creamy and finesse-full textured, deliciously fresh and vital Riesling of great intensity, finesse and lightness. The persistent finish reveals lemon and stone fruit flavors, and a lot of stimulating salt and finesse! This is a fascinating wine that can compete with great white Burgundies (but will survive most of the fine grands crus), and certainly belongs to the finest Rieslings in the world. Bottled with 12% alcohol, but with an enormous complexity and length. 95+ (SR)" (03/2016) 93 points Vinous: "This virtually-dry two-star Auslese weighs in at 12 percent alcohol. It leads with smoky, fusel, alkaline, smoky and mossy scents such as I would usually associate with a more mature Riesling (and that also reflect some newish small barrels) but which are certainly intriguingly diverse. A similarly complex mineral-animal mélange accents fresh white peach and apple on a satisfyingly juicy, rich palate, leading to a gripping and unexpectedly bright finish to which pistachio and hickory nut lend piquancy. Ill be happy if my assessment of this wines aging potential proves overly conservative, but for now, its sending me mixed messages. And given how impressive this beauty is, nobody is likely to feel cheated who enjoys it sooner rather than later. (DS)" (11/2016) [2015 Ökonomierat Rebholz Im Sonnenschein Pinot Blanc Grosses Gewächs Pfalz (Dry)]( - 12 available ($88.99) 92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Im Sonnenschein Weisser Burgunder GG offers a very clear, intense and ripe-fruit aroma of stewed apples and stomped potatoes with butter. Round, intense and smooth on the palate, this is a full-bodied, complex and very elegant Pinot Blanc. It is piquant and fruit-intense with a long and grippy finish. Ripe stone fruit flavors in the aftertaste. Bottled in May 2016.After 2014, Hansjörg Rebholz has again bottled a great vintage. His 2015 series is outstanding and a benchmark collection. His selective harvesting has come close to perfection over the years, and even more so because it wasn't easy in 2014 nor in 2015, when the ripening of the grapes was so quick that many wines in the Pfalz lost precision and balance. 92+ (SR)" (08/2016) Jancis Robinson: "A fresh fragrance of ripe green fruit sends a promising signal to the palate, and the mouth-watering flavour of juicy apple and melon does not disappoint. Although the texture is quite rich, the Im Sonnenschein does not lose its shape and finishes on a fresh, cool and spicy note. 18/20 points (MS)" (08/2016) --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on: Check Out Our Blog: [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Shipping]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? Check out recent opportunities at our [Email Archive]( page. 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