Grey Monk Rotberger

[stevebody]

On a recent trip to Whistler, Canada, I found a bottle of the Rotberger Rose in the provincial liquor store. I had no expectations but found it just flat-damn lovely. It's light, of course, but not overly sweet, crisp, and shows some very appealing grassy/herbal notes atop the small avalanche of red fruit. If any of you guys are from North of The Border and can pass along any info on this one, I'd be obliged. It's NOT available from our local distributor of Grey Monk and my tiny amount of influence was not enough to wheedle them into buying it. Thanks!

[Thomas]

Where's the wine from in Canada, nd where is Whistler?

[stevebody]

I believe Grey Monk is in the Okanagan Valley, in B.C. Whistler, too, is in the far western part of B.C., about 70 miles north of Vancouver. They're hosting the winter Olympics there in '10, so all questions about where it is will eventually be answered, ad nauseum. It's a wonderful place, though. If you gat out this way, I heartily recommend it.

I'm thinking the grape has to be of German/Alsatian origin. I have all my Hugh Johnsons and such in storage, right now, so I haven't looked it up. Think I'll scoot off and Google it while I'm on line. Jeez, I'm not THAT freakin' lazy, am I?

[Thomas]

I have heard of Rotgiphler (Austria) but not of Rotberger. Must be a new hybrid.

[Innkeeper]

From Anthony Hawkins: "Result of a Trollinger x Riesling variety cross. Used to produce fruity, early maturing light red or rosé wines in cool-climate areas."