Producer: Weingut Kathauserhof 
Region: Mosel, Germany 
Varietal: Riesling 
Year: 2018 

Retail Price: $23.00
Our Price: $17.00

Karthauserhof's 19 hectares of vineyards are planted almost entirely to Riesling on original rootstock. While the estate produces the classic Prädikat wines, they have long been ahead of the curve and renowned for their dry Rieslings, an area of increasing popularity among Riesling lovers. In fact, the majority of their production is dry wines, including a Grosses Gewächs that was introduced with the 2009 vintage.

Dan Berger writes, "Germany’s Mosel Valley produces Rieslings of a slightly less intense aromatic and weight than the Rheingau. This longtime Mosel producer has always made a dry (trocken) version that carries pristine fruit flavors, and this lower-priced version is an astounding accompaniment to slightly spicy Asian foods. There is a delicate note of fennel alongside a fresh tangerine aroma, and although the entry tends to be slightly sweet, the aftertaste is completely dependent on great acidity, which leaves the wine tasting dry. This winery (pronounced cart-I-zer-hoff) also makes a Grosses Gewächs (GG) version that sells for three times as much and is simply that much more interesting."

Dan Berger lives in Sonoma County, Calif., where he publishes "Vintage Experiences," a subscription-only wine newsletter. Write to him at winenut@gmail.com. He is also co-host of California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon on KSRO Radio, 1350 am.

*Vintage date different than pictured. Price and availability in store may vary.