2011 Weingut Leitz “Leitz Out” Riesling QbA, Rheingau Germany.
Playing off the fact that English speakers most often mispronounce Leitz (Leetz instead of Lights) Josi (Johannes) Leitz uses “Leitz Out” to help, as well as learning German there is a nice educational Riesling in the bottle as well, in this fun and tasty wine from Germany’s famed Rheingau region. From vines not too far away from Rudesheim and the Rhein River comes this little tangy, dryish Riesling from Leitz, one of my favorite everyday wines and one I am happy to find in some progressive Asian fusion restaurants that I go to, including SF’s Burma Superstar that has this Leitz Out by the glass and carafe! The 2011 is a touch zestier and drier that the last few vintages, which is fine by me as it goes with more things and is zippier, but still with some character and extract. The nose hints at the classic slate and flinty mineral as well as lime flower along with pear, leading to the palate that has persimmon, lemon/lime, mango and peach pit and light apricot fruits with white tea, sea salt, steely mineral rockiness and a whiff of petrol. Mostly brisk and crisp now this lighter Riesling impresses great;y for the price and should drink nicely for another 5 years easy.
($15 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($14.95)