Transparent brass color. Rich, characteristic Rhine Riesling aromas and flavors, green apple with a whiff of musky melon and a hint of peach on the nose, leading into a tart but textured palate impression that carries the aromas intact over zingy, mouth-watering acidity that brings peachy fresh-fruit sweetness into balance with light 10 percent alcohol. There’s a stony sense of minerality beneath it all, and tart stone-fruit flavors linger with zippy, citric acidity in an extremely long finish. U.S. importer: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, N.Y.; a Terry Theise Estate Selection. (July 15, 2016)

FOOD MATCH: Riesling is one of the most versatile white wines, going well with a range of fare from mild freshwater fish to poultry and pork. It’s fine with cheese and vegetable-based dishes: We enjoyed it with fettuccine with fresh broccoli in a light alfredo-style sauce.

WHEN TO DRINK: Although this bottle is intended to be drunk up soon, Riesling is a natural ager. With its sturdy metal screw cap – all but universal with German white wines nowadays – this could keep and possibly gain complexity over several years in a good wine cellar.

VALUE:
My local price is a few dollars above the average $13 retail shown on Wine-Searcher.com, but it’s a good-enough wine that I’ll try not to get heartburn over a price in the upper teens.

WEB LINK
Importer Michael Skurnik has a detailed fact sheet about Spreitzer’s wines at this link, with further links to the producers many wines including 2014 and 2015 Riesling 101.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Look for vendors and compare prices for Josef Spreitzer “Riesling 101” on Wine-Searcher.com