As a follow up to the vibrant Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, my cousin poured a glass of Messer Spätburgunder Trocken 2005 to accompany dinner. This is not a bottle they usually offer; it had been special ordered from the distributer as it was requested for an event they had hosted. Spätburgunder translates to “Late Burgundian” and is what Pinot Noir is called in Germany. Although bottles are rarely exported, it is the most widely planted red grape in Germany. I considered myself quite lucky to have an uncustomary bottle in front of me, and my enthusiasm only heightened when my cousin’s description included the phrase “subtle undertones of decomposing woodland nymph”.Translucent cranberry garnet in colour, rich earthy aromas of forest and wet leaves rose from the glass. Traces of cherry and lavender intermingled with damp earth and mushrooms in the medium body. My Thai potstickers highlighted the earthy mushroom, adding a truffle like complexity to the velvety smoothness. The finish consisted of wispy layers of smoke and woodsy oaky elements that moved into a contrasting bright, fruity strawberry essence. Delicate yet rich, smoky and earthy yet clean and fruity, each sip was a juxtaposition of pleasing opposites that fashioned quite the engaging glass.
100% Spätburgunder [Pinot Noir]
Pfalz
Germany
Estate Bottled
13% Alcohol
$20 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2013
