31 Days of Riesling – Celebrating German Wine
The other evening, I was invited alongside other food influencers to the Marylebone Institution of Clarette for an evening of food and drink to celebrate German Wines. In particular, the wine is from one variety of German grapes. Riesling (pronounced reece-ling)
Before that night, if you accosted me on the street, held a proverbial gun to my head, and demanded that I list countries that produce great wine… Sadly, Germany would not have been on that list. Not because I held on to that old-school reputation that Germany made overly sweet blue nun-style wines. But mainly because I’m very much a creature of habit with a slight knowledge of wine. This generally means that I stick with a wine I like once I get served.
Fans of German wine are quick to shout that Riesling produces some of the finest white wines on the planet. Hopefully, after this evening, I will think the same. Riesling is the most popular variety of grape used in production in Germany, accounting for 25% of grape production.
We were welcomed with a glass of Germany’s answer to Champaign… Sekt. In particular the NV Sekt Reserve from Reichsrat Von Buhl (RRP £27). Honestly, I thought this was champagne, maybe a little less yeasty. None the less was delicious, would say I preferred it to Cava or Prosecco.
Next came the first flight or Rieslings to pair with our starter of Red Mullet with Apple, Caper and Raisins Salad. Let’s first address the elephant in the room one of the things that I refuse to eat is raisins. Well, let’s say I do like raisins now in some things as this dish was amazing. I think this was down to the raisins being more like golden plump, sweet nuggets than dried and shrivelled balls of grossness.
Back to the wine… We were served the cleverly named Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll Riesling from Emil Bauer & Söhne, Hargardun Riesling from Bibo Runge and Asia De Cuba Riesling from Heistand. I really loved both the SDR&R and the Asia De Cuba the best, equally for different reasons. Thought the SDR7R paired best with the meal… I’d happily drink the Asia De Cuba on a hot summer’s evening. [
For the delicious main course of Roasted chicken, broccoli puree and potatoes, we had a Saulheimer Riesling Kalkstein from Thörle, Sauvignon Blac Fume from Oliver Zeter and a Schlatter Maltesergarten Spätburgnder (Pinot Noir) from Martin Wassmer (That was a mouthful).
The Pinot Noir was so deceptive. It smelt so jammy, but the taste did not follow through. It was drinkable, and after I got over the initial disappointment, I rather enjoyed it. I would grab it if I was looking for a light red.
My favourite wine of that flight was the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s aged in oak but is not oaky at all. it’s a minerally full-bodied wine with a nod to pineapple. It was so sippable, and I will be seeing it out.
This was a brilliant introduction to the much-loved German Wines. It was also a brilliant evening to keep companyrs of food who weren’t necessarily wine aficionados (Lucy, Julia, Milly, Nicky, and Helen). We all chatted about wine and what we were tasting, and best of all, with other love there were no right or wrong answers.
Now if I had that proverbial gun pressed to my head demanding that I list countries that produce great wine, Germany will be at the front of my mind.
If you are interested in learning more about German wines during the 31 days of Riesling. Have a gander at this list of wine bars and restaurants in London participating in 31 Days on the DrinkUp London website.