Silvaner

Origins This varietal was selected from wild vines – presumably from vines lining the Danube River - and throughout the centuries carefully selected. It is supposed to be a natural combination of Traminer and Österreichisch Weiss (“Austrian white”). The name Silvaner originates from Transylvania. It is proved that Silvaner was introduced in Germany in the years of 1659 and 1665 as the abbot Alberich Degen from the Cistercian Abbey of Ebrach brought the vines to Franconia. In the Pfalz region (Palatinate) it was called Österreicher (“Austrian”) or Frankenriesling (“Franconian Riesling”). Because of its security of crop, it was the most widely planted variety in Germany (60% of the vineyards) in the 1950’s. Description of wine Silvaner wines are elegant with a manifold bouquet of delicate aromas. When grown in „Muschelkalk“ (shell-limestone) soils, Silvaner wines can be very fruity. They prove powerful in heavy soils. In good years, the wines become heavy and lingering as though they were plastering the palate. How to store and combine with food Silvaner wines go with fish and white meat and emphasize the taste of the dish with their gentle character. Thanks to their balanced acidity, they are easily digestible and smooth. Noble sweet Auslese are recommended as aperitif or as accompaniment to dessert. The ability of storage is medium, whereas Silvaner high in alcohol and noble sweet wines age well.

Riesling

Origins According to Regner, it is the result of a combination of vine varieties belonging to the Fränkisch (“Franconian”) and Heunisch families. Considering its early occurrence, it was possibly selected from wild vines in the Oberrhein region. The rooted vine was mentioned for the first time in 1445 in Rüsselsheim, in 1464/65 at the Moselle, in 1477 in Alsace and in 1490 in Worms. After 1500 the Riesling was widely spread and became a recommended variety of landowners along the Rhine and Moselle. The name may originate from its tendency to bad setting – “verrieseln” in German. Description of wine Riesling wines are characterized by their distinguished raciness, their elegance and their incomparable bouquet reminiscent of apricot and peach. It is not a high alcoholic content that makes it a celebrity, but furthermore its fine, crisp and fruity characteristics that Riesling develop due to its late ripening and harvesting. As it ages, the wine develops its typical kerosene note, much sought-after by Riesling connoisseurs. How to store and combine with food Depending on vintage and site, Riesling wines go well with light dishes and fish. Dry Spätlese and older wines are ideal with spicier dishes while noble sweet wines can be enjoyed as aperitif or with desserts. Riesling wines and sparkling wines have a pronounced acidity and can cause problems to people with delicate stomachs. All Riesling wines have very good aging potential. Because of their exceptionally good storing capacities, Beerenauslesen and Trockenbeerenauslesen are in particular appreciated as anniversary/jubilee wines.