I don’t know about you, but the first thing I think of when I pull out a wine and see a twist-top bottle opening ain’t “fine wine”. My thoughts usually run more along the lines of “Ut oh”.
And when I pull out my Blue Bunny jar opener (from some conference) and use it to try to twist off the top – and that does not work the first time – alarm bells were going off in my head at an er, ummm, alarming rate.
Thoughts of cracking the bottle open (literally) without getting glass in the wine danced though my head briefly (ok, very briefly more like a segment than a waltz).
Buuuut with a little perseverance and a nut cracker (open the nutcracker, place it around the cap and twist), I was able to get this puppy open.
And it was worth the struggle – which makes me fear what I may do if the next bottle does not open easily.
Today’s wine discussion: Schmitt Söhne Riesling (Auslese)
Vintner’s Description:
This Riesling is produced from individually selected overripe grapes resulting in a full bodied, luscious wine with hints of apricot, nectarine and honey. The intense flavors and lingering finish complements a variety of cheeses, fruits, richly seasoned foods and desserts.
Alcohol: 7.5 – 8.5% by vol.
Total acidity: 8.0 – 9.0 gr./Ltr.
Residual sugar: 52 – 56 gr./Ltr.
My Notes:
An Auslese is a late harvest wine where the grapes are so ripe, they are hand picked. There are dry Auslese, but this is not one of them.
Basically odorless, this wine was a pale yellow in color. While nothing to write home about in the glass, it was a party on my tongue! Its sweet, muted tones and slight tongue-tingle made for a most pleasant tasting (and drinking) experience. Absolutely delicious.
Definitely a “must buy” in my book!
Have you tried Schmitt Söhne Riesling? What did you think?
As always, drink responsibly and please don’t drink and drive.
Note: this post originally appeared on my old blog, Coupons, Deals and More.
For more liquor and wine tips and reviews, click here.
little German says
Hi Ann!
Danke for zee wunderbar review. I am so happy you enjoyed mein wine – who doesn’t love a party in their mouth?! I’d also like to apologize for your troubles getting into zee bottle. There is nothing worse than trying desperately to get to a glass of wine 😉
But in all seriousness, I’d like to shed some light on why we use screw tops. Despite zee screw top being a very efficient und reliable way to bottle wine, there are still many myths about them. Corks may be zee traditional method of sealing wine, but they often lead to tainted wine. We believe screw caps are making history by guaranteeing zee quality of zee product!
Prost, new friend!
– little German, Schmitt Söhne ambassador
Ann says
There is nothing worse than trying desperately to get to a glass of wine
I am so glad you understand! But I persevered and was well rewarded. 🙂
Ann
Gail says
Ann, I know prices vary, but what did you pay for your bottle?
Ann says
I believe about $8 or $9, Gail.
Ann
Lori says
Ann, where were you able to buy this, sounds good to try. Cost?
Ann says
Lori I bought it at the local liquor store for I “think” $8-$9.
You could contact the Little German (contact us or twitter might be best) for where you can buy it locally.
Ann
KimH says
I’ve not tried this specific Riesling.. but I’ll keep my eyes open for it.. Im not much of a white fan but I have had a couple glasses of Rieslings I’ve enjoyed.
Interesting note about the cork.. You learn something new every day..
Ann says
Kim, zip code finder on the top right: Find Schmitt Söhne Riesling
Ann
Barbee says
I found mine in my local grocery store (don’t recall the price).
My grocery is on the smallish side, far smaller than a Kroger. That seems to imply that the wine is fairly widely available in distribution. 🙂
Good Luck-very pretty blue bottle. If I were ‘craftier’, I might dream up a clever use for it.
Barbee says
Funny you should mention it…I had this wine just this past Thanksgiving!
Oddly, I found it to be sour and acidic.
Was really surprised by that, because I expected a more sweet wine with mild aftertaste.
Cork -vs- screw top? I don’t really care but I’ll not be aging any wines in my storage cellar any time soon.
Here’s a question for the wine experts. Are wines aged in barrels like whiskey? or are they aged in the bottle? (Champagne excluded) Thanks. 🙂
Cin says
I had the Schmitt Söhne Riesling(corked) and it was very good. I bought it from BJ’s warehouse for about $8. For a cheap wine it is comparable to expensive brands. Will be buying again
Corinne says
I have purchased other makers of Riesling one of which I poured down the sink. I will not buy another brand of Riesling. Es ist wunderbar. Danke.