Hanging With Harley B: My Very First Riesling

Mom and Dad warned me about studying German wine. They said the subject would seem really, really complicated at first, but once I understood the classification system it would become easy peasy.

Are you kidding me?!? I'm only seven months old!!! Help!

So before we get started, let me pass on what Mom and Dad taught me. I know everything I've learned about wine has certainly impressed the other puppies at doggie daycare! They think my wine knowledge is amazing, but most of them aren't working dogs like me. It's in my blood to earn my kibble.

German wine is classified into four categories: Deutscher Wein, Landwein, Qualitätswein (QbA) and Prädikatswein (aka, the Prädikat). Most of the wine imported into the United States is either QbA or one of the lower tiers within the Prädikat.

OK, phew. That's a start anyway.

So now let's dive into the deep end of the pool without a bumper. The Prädikat classification system is based upon the ripeness of the grape. The further you go up the classification system the sweeter the wine (and generally speaking the more expensive). In case you were wondering, Austria has a similar ranking system for its quality wine but let's not jump into that water yet.

Within the German Prädikat there are six tiers: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese, all with increasing sweetness as you move up in rank. Within these classifications, the most commonly found wines in the United States are Kabinett and Spätlese. Once you go above Spätlese prices can easily soar to astonishing heights.

Phew. It would be so much easier to just sit around and chew a bone, but I'd rather be learning and growing all the time.

Now that you have a foundation in understanding German wine, let's talk about today's offering. It's such a great value!

Georg Albrecht Schneider Niersteiner Riesling Kabinett 2014

"Peach, apple and citrus flavors are well-integrated in this fruity style, with honeyed and tarragon cream notes on the spicy finish. Drink now through 2018. 800 cases made." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 89 points

"Bramble and herb notes are prominent on the nose, but subside into succulent white grapefruit and tangerine on the palate of this cheerful off-dry Riesling. Sunny acidity adds to its approachable, easygoing feel. Drink now." (Wine Enthusiast)

Wine Enthusiast: 87 points

This tiny production white wine is amazing for its price. It has zippy acidity which is something my parents absolutely love in good quality Riesling. They couldn't believe I found one so incredibly tasty at this entry level price point. Yay!

$12.99/bottle or $124.70/12 pack case ($10.39/bottle) or just $10.39/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

There are limited quantities of this wine available in Massachusetts. Please call the store, stop by or press reply to this email to reserve your wine. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Summer Hours Mon-Thurs: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri-Sat: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 10 to 8 p.m.   We're open year round. Closed only on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.