05 Aug Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Weingut Weinreich Silvaner 2015, Rheinhessen, Germany

When you think of white wines from Germany, Riesling is what likely comes to mind. But Silvaner should be added to the list. It is the middle of summer and it is hot outside. A clean, crisp, fresh white wine is what I want to be drinking and the Weingut Weinreich Silvaner 2015, Rheinhessen, Germany is the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.

Silvaner is an ancient (17th century) cross between the lesser-known grapes Traminer (also known as Savagnin) and Österreichisch-Weiss. Silvaner was once the dominant grape in Rheinhessen, located west of Frankfurt in Germany. It was often used in bulk wines as it can produce high yields, but was ripped out for premium production. However, after being the maligned under-dog, it is making a comeback.

Today, Rheinhessen has the largest acreage of Silvaner. And Weingut Weinreich lies in the Wonnegau district of the Rheinhessen wine region. The Weinreich family estate is a certified organic sustainable vineyard which approaches winemaking with minimal intervention.

The Weingut Weinreich Silvaner 2015, Rheinhessen, Germany is a clear bright yellow gold color. The nose is fresh with grapefruit and under-ripe apricot fruit notes combined with herbacious, nutty and mineral notes. On the palate the wine is dry with elegant acidity that finishes with mineral and nutty notes.

If you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, try a Silvaner for something different.

A perfect companion for salads, shellfish and grilled fish, Silvaner also works with the hard-to-pair asparagus!