How off-dry it is! Schafer-Frohlich, Steinmetz, and Francois Chidaine
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Off-dry, sweet–call it what you will, but a little residual sugar in a white wine is not always a bad thing. Yes, it has to be balanced. But when it’s right, how sweet it is! (Well, not too sweet.) Consider these three excellent examples for around $20:
Schafer-Frohlich, Nahe, halbtrocken, 2006 $19. (find this wine) Importer: Rudi Weist.
It’s taken me a while to warm up to the whole off-dry Riesling phenomenon. But this wine will convince any doubters. Truly amazing purity, great weight and Nahe-style fullness with a just a hint of sweetness. I tried it at home with some Asian food and it was a great match. Consider it a steal even at $20 since since it is the lowest price wine in the US from this producer, whose star rises every year higher and higher.
Steinmetz, “Alte Reben,” Feinherb, 2005 $16. (find this wine) Importer: Mosel Wine Merchant
Again, another killer, off-dry Riesling. I tried this with some mediocre Thai food initially and my dinner memories consisted almost entirely of Riesling. But going back to another bottle on another occasion, it was an excellent pairing of delicate sweetness and balanced acidity to offset the spicy take-out. I recommended it to a non-Riesling loving friend and he loved it with takeout–consider it a gateway to off-dry world. Try it with the salty sweet of honey glazed ham over Easter and let us know how it goes.
Francois Chidaine, Les Tuffeaux, Montlouis sur Loire, 2005 $21. (find this wine) Importer: Louis/Dressner. Certified organic.
If you’re used to getting your slightly off-dry wines in the Riesling category, you need say hello to chenin blanc from the Loire if you haven’t already. This wine is a great place to start. The aromas of white flowers and honey are terrific. The wine has a delicate attack that expands to a massive midpalate with a touch of honey. For around $20, this a spectacular wine from a Loire master that will make wonder if there’s a hole in the glass since it disappeared so quickly. Try with chevre as an aperitif. Irresistible.
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On March 21st, 2008 at 2:35 pm ,PINONVY wrote:
Yes on the Loire, my lovely bride an I spent a month in the Loire last summer, and became absolutely enchanted by the Chenin Blanc. And the Cab Franc from Chinon… Soooooo food friendly, we upped our usual quota to TWO bottles with lunch….have continued to seek out good offerings of quality Loire wines back here in California, but hard to find good ones here, an they are soooo pricey here (after they cross that dreaded green line in mid-continent…).