It's still damn cold outside, but when the sun's rays start to shine through, the first signs of spring are there and I have the inevitable urge to get out into the fresh air and soak up some vitamin D. I immediately think of a cheerful and wonderfully aromatic white wine. Like the Scheurebe from Christian Nett from Duttweiler, Palatinate. With its aromas, Scheurebe is often reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. However, it is much better adapted to our northern climate and develops more splendidly than many a Sauvignon Blanc, which can be found more and more in German vineyards today. I am already looking forward to a refreshing glass of Scheurebe.
Profile
Winemaker: Bergdolt Winery, Reif & Nett
Grape variety: 100% Scheurebe
Vintage: 2014
Region: Palatinate
Soil: mainly loess, but also loam
Ideal drinking temperature: 8 degrees Celsius
Awards: Weinwelt: 85 points
Price: from 6,50€ / bottle
The wine
The Scheurebe was raised from the cradle by Georg Scheu in 1916, although today it is certain that one parent is Riesling and the other parent must be an unknown bouquet variety. Whatever the case, it's the result that counts and it's a pleasure to taste.
Under Tradition, Christian Nett offers white wines that are intended for everyday enjoyment and are characterized by a refreshing, uncomplicated and stimulating style.
The aroma of this Scheurebe is wonderfully captivating - notes of fresh apple, peach and redcurrant can be detected. On the palate, it is wonderfully light with only 11% by volume and yet very fruity and balanced with a crisp acidity.
The winemaker and the region
The winery is located in the heart of the Palatinate, in Duttweiler, a small wine village between Speyer and Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The roots of the estate go back to 1838. At that time, the foundation stone for the winery was laid with the construction of a vaulted sandstone cellar.
Today, the winery is run by the fifth generation of the Nett family. The wines are made by Christian Nett - born in 1981, master winemaker and the "thinker and leader" in the house.
Christian Nett divides his wines into different "lines", which are also intended to describe the character of the wines. These include "Tradition", such as Scheurebe, but also "Creation", "Avantgarde" and "Black Edition".
The vines grow at an altitude of 120-140 meters above sea level, nestled in an almost Mediterranean landscape where kiwis, figs and almonds also ripen. The character of Christian Nett's wines is shaped by soil layers over ten meters thick, consisting mainly of loess and loam with fine limestone veins.
Nett has enlisted the support of real horsepower for his top vineyards. He uses a Rhenish-German cold-blooded horse to loosen the soil and allow it to breathe - real old school. This is remarkably good for the vineyards and later also for the quality of the wines.
A perfect match
A sunny start to the balcony season! Also as an aperitif, with light salads, soft cheeses or Vietnamese summer rolls.
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