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Carl Schmitt-Wagner

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

Riesling

750 ML

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 93

cinnamon, nutmeg, peach, vanilla

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 90

light-bodied

juicy

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(MOH zel zar ROO ver)—This dramatically beautiful region of western Germany produces exceptional white wines from the Riesling grape. Among the lightest in Germany, these wines usually contain less than 10% alcohol and they are generally delicate, fresh, and bursting with flavor. With its flowery tastes and aromas, Mosel Riesling is a great wine to drink in the spring. Look for the words “Erzeugerabfüllung” or Gutsabfüllung,” which indicate that the wine was estate bottled and not mass-produced.

(REESE ling)—a grape that comes mostly from the Mosel and Rheingau regions of Germany (where it is a noble variety), the Finger Lakes region of New York, and Alsace region of France, and Austria. Although often thought of as “sweet,” many Rieslings are quite dry. The word trocken on German bottles indicates dryness. The trademarks of Riesling are high acidity, low to medium alcohol levels, and aromas and flavors that range from fruity and flowery to mineral. Also called Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling.

Attributes:

Joseph Drouhin

Burgundy, France

Chardonnay

750 ML

1996: WineAdvocate Rating: 88

lively

*-scented

medium-bodied

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or Bourgogne (bor guh nyeh)-this region in eastern France, known equally for the excellence of its red and white wines, consists mostly of small estates, or domaines. Although its climate and soil are particularly suited to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, with Gamay dominant in the southern district of Beaujolais, Burgundy’s terroir is so varied that each vineyard creates distinctive wines. This wide variety accounts for not only the plethora of sublime wines coming from this region, but also for the relatively small production levels. There are five main districts in Burgundy: The Côte d’Or, The Côte Chalonnaise, Chablis, The Mâconnais, and Beaujolais. Red Burgundy is paler than Bordeaux, ranging in color from garnet to cherry or ruby, because the Pinot Noir grape has less color than the Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot grapes. It tends to be full in body and low in tannin. The characteristic aroma is cherries and berries, with woodsy, or mushroomy accents. When a red burgundy ages, it often develops a silky texture, richness, and natural sweetness of fruit flavors. Red Burgundies are great to drink young because of their softness and fruitiness, and they are incredibly versatile companions to food.

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

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Cannon River Winery

Minnesota, United States

Rose

750 ML

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