TN:Rolly Gassmann 2007 Pflaenzerreben de Rorschwihr Riesling

Berserkers,

What do you get when you cross the fun and sweetness of a German Riesling Spatlese with the finesse and austerity of an Alsacian Riesling? You get the best of both worlds. You get:

Rolly Gassmann 2007 Pflaenzerreben de Rorschwihr Riesling – Very light gold in the glass, looks as clear as grappa or under the right light. Green apple and wet stream rocks nose with the slightest faint hint of petrol.

In the mouth, richly sweet flavors of tangy green apple, pineapple, and a bracing lemon-lime acidity are reined in by a suprisingly smoky finish akin to an Alsacian Pinot Gris and a lucious but restrained acidity. Most importantly, it has a nice texture thanks to the 11% ABV body and the difference from my usual Spatleses is noticeable. Lots of crisp flintiness here as well.

This is fantastic but longtime Alsacian Spatlese fans may be thrown off by the sweetness, assuming they don’t drink Riesling VTs or SGNs. If you love German Rieslings, however, you really have to give this a try. RECOMMENDED
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