Guntrum

[sblue]

I picked up the 2002 Riesling ($10.89) and would like to know if anyone has tried this one. It was the only German Riesling under $30 at this shop. She said she sells it as fast as she receives it. That should be a good sign.

[wondersofwine]

It should be a good QPR (quality/price ratio) purchase. I'm not really familiar with it but have heard the name and know that they produce Riesling and Scheurebe wines at different levels of ripeness, etc.
Post your impressions after you open it.

[sblue]

I opened this one while cooking last night. There was nothing special about it. I've never described taste before, but the only thing I got was peaches and green apple, very crisp and SWEET, not at all dry or complex. It was more like a wine cooler. Now I remember why I prefer reds. It was better with our meal (italian sausage cooked down to make cream sauce over noodles, steamed broccoli, and spinach salad. Could someone suggest another type of white that I should try before giving up.

[wondersofwine]

There are dry Rieslings out there--Alsace is a good source.
Have you tried Sauvignon Blanc? St. Supery is a nice one from California and a good wine shop will probably have several from New Zealand or the Loire Valley region of France. Sauvignon Blanc wines are crisp and dry with citrus or grassy elements sometimes. (Some California Sauvignon Blancs have too much wood influence so I am wary of one I haven't previously tried.) S.B. wines go nicely with some fish dishes, many salads and appetizers, with vegetables such as asparagus, spinach or green beans. By the way, your description of the Riesling is quite good--peaches and green apple are often flavor components of Riesling. The crispness is from the acidity of the Riesling grape and the sweetness may be from residual sugar after fermentation.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 08-18-2004).]

[barnesy]

keep exploring the german rieslings. They have a depth and bredth that can't be beat in white wine. I have tasted several german's over 30 years old that tasted as fresh as if they were made yesterday. see if any local shops are doing any german tastings. You shouldn't let one experiance with german riesling cloud a long prosperous future of drinking.

Barnesy

[Thomas]

I don't think the Guntrum is a representation of Riesling's power.

Unfortunately, sblue, you have to pay more than $11 for the better ones--no getting away from it these days.