2010 Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling
Rainer Lingenfelder is an affable but slightly eccentric winemaker whose family has been producing wines in Germany’s Pfalz region since 1520. He envisions himself as a custodian of this long history and manages his vineyards in complete harmony with ecological concerns.
Mr. Lingenfelder achieved commercial success in Britain with his “bird” Riesling, a fresh, zippy white wine, which was sold at Oddbins outlets. Its continued popularity led to the creation of the “creatures” series of wines. These are all affordable, character-driven wines, each of which is known by the name of a creature. In fact, in a charmingly eccentric move, he visited all 240 Oddbins in the UK in his “bird-mobile” as a way of saying thank you to the Oddbins family for their hugely successful promotion of his original “bird” label wine (see photo; Mr. Lingenfelder is on the right).
The 2010 Bird Label Riesling is a delightfully off-dry wine that is perfectly balanced by a crisp acidity, 11.5% alcohol. That marvelously characteristic “petrol” nose is present, as well as aromas of peach, nectarine, and citrus, which echo and re-echo on the palate. This is a fabulously food-friendly wine that goes well with German cuisine or lightly spiced Thai and Indian offerings.
And the price is yet another plus… It goes for around $12.00 per bottle. If you enjoy slightly off-dry Riesling, Mr. Lingenfelder’s 2010 “bird” label vintage is not to be missed.
2008 Pinnacoli Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo is a dark-skinned grape utilized in a variety of inky, tannic wines from the Puglia region of southern Italy… But it is, perhaps, better known under its American sobriquet: Zinfandel. Unlike its stateside cousin, however, which is often characterized by its lethally alcoholic content and overbearing fruit bomb-ish qualities, the 2008 Pinnacoli Primitivo di Manduria is a model of restraint and finesse.
This ruby-red wine is rife with full flavors of red fruits and spice. The tannins are subtly understated, balancing ripe fruit and 14% alcohol with hints of coffee & earth. And the wine is smooth; smooth on the palate, smooth going down, smooth on the finish… And the price is pretty smooth as well: approximately $16.00.
This is an eminently quaffable wine to enjoy with roasted meats & game, pizza, zippy pasta dishes, and spicy cheeses… Great label; and there’s even a twist off cap!
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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