2014 Weingut Georg Albrecht Schneider, Riesling Trocken, Niersteiner Hipping “Vom Rotliegenden” Red Soil, Rheinhessen, Germany.
This exquisite and delightful dry Riesling from Georg Albrecht Schneider, a winery that goes back more than seven generations, located on the Rhein, near the wine town Nierstein, is from vines planted on iron rich volcanic soils, hence the name, that give it a full flavored palate while delivering a crisp dry white wine with class and ease of use. The Rheinhessen has a vast array of soils and mixes of, but the volcanic soil might be the most interesting aspect, certainly for this particular wine, as opposed to the normal loam, clay, slate or sandstone features, it gives a fruit driven palate and fresh clear aromatic transparency without the diesel or flinty notes from the hardcore slate, here you get a burst of lime, white flowers and stone fruit. Perfect with a wide selection of foods, especially ham, turkey and seafood choices, it also works wonderfully with salads and veggie options or as a starter, it has bright refreshing flavors, it is low in alcohol and cleans the palate perfectly with a lingering tangerine, tropical essences, steely notes and apricot fleshiness, being always focused, and brisk. Overall this is the kind of wine found at German pubs or bistros, it is a quality wine that offers a more than reasonable value, while not mind blowing it surly will please and should age beautifully as well, drink from 2016 to 2022.
($15 Est.) 87-89 Points, grapelive
