2012 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris (Pfalz, Germany)… $11.99
I know what you are thinking…Stan, it’s Washington Wine Month and you are picking a German Pinot Gris? I know it seems a little off, but you will understand once you put your lips to this wine. And, I am reviewing 100 Washington wines this month and immersing myself in Washington Wine Month, so I don’t feel guilty (no matter what you say).
I have been absolutely enthralled with the 2012 Pinot Gris coming out of Oregon, and I hope to give a full report on the ones I have been tasting. However, for twelve bucks this German Pinot Gris is one of the best quality to price whites I have tasted recently…Thus, the pick of the month.
Ernst Loosen (of Dr. Loosen fame) is the man responsible for this wine out of the Pfalz region (Rhine) of Germany. Loosen’s Rieslings out of Mosel are some of my favorites, so there is no surprise that he pulled out a winner with this Pinot Gris. Aromas of pears (Asian) and honeysuckle that seem a touch restrained at first but then open up. Bracing citrus notes right up front with a core of minerals and acidity that “pop” the mouth-watering notes of tangerine and mandarin orange. The wine expands on the mid-palate with a creamy element coming through. Finishes dry with citrus and honeysuckle notes lingering with a touch of white pepper. This white is a “Ten” in the delicious category and would pair up nicely with a seafood salad (or salad in general), oysters, clams or mussels. I believe it would even do nicely with crab. A perfect warm weather white that is a steal for twelve bucks. (A-)
Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
