For this mini review, we break it down on a grape that has crazy descriptions. The review is solid but this is a "must listen" because M.C. Ice created a musical masterpiece at the end! Click here to listen.
A weird grape, called either Scheurebe or Sämling 88 ("Seedling 88," the name of the vine), it's a cross between Riesling and a wild German grape. It was created by Dr. Scheu (rebe means vine in German), hence the name. It's supposed to have crazy flavors -- some that you taste in red wines like black currant. We sussed it out to figure out what was going on. Not sure we got the best version though...
The Wine: 2008 K& G Strauss Sämling 88
Where it's from: Steiermark, Austria
Price: $15
Alcohol: 11.5%
Color: Green, kind of clear with a little spritz
Smell: Not so fresh (it smelled like sea water). A touch of grapefruit, but very light.
Taste: Very light, with almost no flavor.
Drink or sink?: Sink! Too light. There's nothing going on here. It's watery with no punch. For the price, I'm not buying what they're selling. I think this wine is WAY past its prime -- too old, or just bad to begin with. As it stands, I think this is the Coors Light of wine. You can do better, but I see potential so I'm going to look for better quality Sämling/Scheurebe and we'll report again.
In defense of Scheurebe:
ReplyDeleteYour podcast on Scheurebe didn't surprise me as I have met many disappointing examples myself.
But... yesterday I was in the little town of St. Martin in the Pfalz, Germany. Most of the Vintners there are named Schneider - Valentin, Albert, Ludwig, Holger with first names - none of them knew you, I asked.
Scheurebe - It really depends on the "terroir." I've tried it from Mosel - Syrup - you could use it on pancakes.
But in St. Martin you can really taste the earth. It has body. It leaves you with a pleasant grimace on your face. It's worth it. Whenever you visit Germany again, you need to visit this little town, if for no other reason to find your German roots, and then try their Scheurebe, good stuff.
Best wishes and I love your work,
Andrew from Germany
Andrew,
ReplyDeleteGreat comment and good advice -- especially on bonding with the other Schneiders (although unless they're Jews, I'm not from their line!). Still it would be cool to have a collection of Schneider wines.
I can't wait to try St. Martin -- looks awesome! I'm going to be on the lookout for better stuff here. I know it exists, but this one was a loser. Still, MC Ice loved making the remix so it was all worth it!
Take care and hope to hear from you soon,
Elizabeth