affentaler slk selection — riesling spatlese (vintage 2014, white)

Country: Germany  Region: Baden  Grape: (Late Harvest) Riesling

Baden is in the southernmost of Germany’s wine regions. It lies far to the south, along the French border near Alsace, and is warmer than most other German wine regions. It is a long, slim strip of vineyards nestled between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River, extending some 240 miles north to south. It is that nation’s third largest wine region, very different from the rest of Germany. It is classified by the EU in Wine Growing Region B with Alsace, Austria and the Loire Valley.

Affentaler has its roots in the Cistercian monks who were cultivating grapes there by 1250. The word Affental means “Valley of the Monkeys,” a name that evolved referencing historic local chapels and the Ave Valley. Since 1997, Leo Klar has been the Cellar Master, and a certified wine taster for the German Agricultural Society. Both positions fit him well, with his winemaking degrees, skills, and years of learning in Germany and South Africa.

Only the best, healthiest, ripest, full-bodied late harvested Riesling grapes are used in this premium SLK Selection Riesling. Very low-yielding vines grow the grapes to make this elegant golden yellow wine with green tints. It offers a palate of different stone and tree fruit notes such as peach and apricot. It is luscious, full-bodied with a long, fresh finish. Enjoy it now as an aperitif or with spicy cuisine or with sweet, fruity desserts and pastries. Affentaler SLK Selection Riesling Spätlese:

RIESLING GRAPES — A classic German variety, it can, when properly handled, produce a wine of such tremendous fruit-acidity ratio that it is in a different class altogether. Aged, the finest Rieslings develop a zesty, vivid bouquet. This grape is one of the most scintillating producers of intensely sweet wines. Usually light in body and low in alcohol with intense flavor, this specific wine offering of 100% Riesling is full-bodied — a charming wine for relaxed moments.