The Cellar: 3 Must-Haves for Under $20

The Cellar: 3 Must-Haves for Under $20

If I were to ask you what a Riesling tastes like, you would probably respond that it depends where it is produced. And while this is somewhat correct (there are definitely differences between a Riesling from Australia and one produced right here in Rhode Island), I like to say that an authentic-style Riesling, grown in Germany, Austria or Northern France, is elegant, highly extracted, with soaring acidity, light in both alcohol and body style. I hope I don’t offend anyone when I say, that if all the Riesling you have ever tasted is from California you simply have never tried the real deal.

Over the next few weeks I will be reviewing wines that are authentic to the region from where they come. I started last week and continue now with a racy Riesling from Germany, a plump Shiraz from Australia and a delicious Pinot Noir from Oregon. 

2008 Dr. L Rielsing, Loosen Bros, Germany - $13

The backstory: The Dr. Loosen Estate has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and the people behind the wines are considered the best in the world at their craft, which is to produce top-notch Riesling. This estate

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produces Rieslings that retail for hundreds of dollars per bottle; the ‘2008 Dr. L. Riesling’ is their entry level Riesling and a great one at that.

The wine: The 2008 Dr. L. Riesling was selected “Wine of the Year” in the The Wine Trials, a book that blind tastes under-$15 wines against $50-and-up counterparts. It also received 90+ scores from multiple critics and I can see why. It has it all - great tropical fruits notes on the nose turning into apple, melon and citrus on the palate. There is so much going on. If you want to know what I consider a top under-$20 Riesling, seek this one out. This wine has great mouth feel and those mineral and citrus notes linger on the finish. Truly mouthwatering.

2008 A to Z Pinot Noir, Oregon - $18

The backstory: Pinot Noir has been planted in Oregon since the 1960’s, but it was back-to-back top-three placements in the Paris Wine Olympics in 1979 and 1980 that put Oregon Pinot Noir on the international wine map. The A to Z Wineworks Winery is located in Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley at the same latitude as the Burgundy region of France, and is thought to have a similar climate in which the finicky Pinot Noir grapes thrive.

The wine: This 2008 vintage received a 90-point score from Wine Spectator Magazine and was voted #75 on the magazine’s Top 100 wines released in 2010. This is an elegant wine, nothing like the heavily oaked Cabernet Sauvignons you might be used to. It displays both youthful acid and tannins, which should make it an interesting wine to follow over the next five years or so. Right now it is shows lively red cherries and minerality, along with some smoke. The fruit gets pretty on the midpalate and it transitions nicely to the long finish.

2007 Red Knot Shiraz, South Australia - $13

The backstory: Syrah, or Shiraz as it is known in Australia, has its roots in the Rhône Valley in France. Syrah continues to be the primary grape of the Northern Rhône and is associated with classic wines such as Hermitage, Cornas and Côte-Rôtie. The varietal had changed its name to Shiraz when it arrived in Australia in the 1800’s. The warm climate style of Australia Shiraz is very different from cooler climate French Syrah. The sun and heat makes much more ripe and fruit driven flavors. The Australian style is bright, fragrant, often simpler and more affordable.

The wine: The 2007 Red Knot is good bottle of wine, but a very typical $10-$15 Australian Shiraz. A lot of wine critics don’t particularly like this style of wine, which is a very heavy blast of fruit and, in their opinion, not a lot of substance or character. It does, however, have a ‘delicious factor’ which is very appealing to most and I like it for what it is. It is a style of wine you should be familiar with and it is not bad for an everyday sipper. Extremely fruit-forward with hints of red cherries and oak.

Enjoy.

Besides from writing about wine Steffen Rasch also consults, hosts lessons, tastings and other types of wine events privately, as well as for businesses. If you are interested in knowing more please contact [email protected], and follow him on Facebook, here.