Battenfeld Spanier Riesling Frauenberg 2013

The pale skinned fruits of the Riesling grapevine have been grown in and around Germany's Rhine Valley for centuries, and contributed much to the country's wine culture. Today, Riesling grapes are grown and processed in several countries around the world, where they are prized for their ability to grow well in colder climates, and their unique flavors and characteristics. Riesling grapes produce an impressive array of wines, including fine semi sweet and dessert wines, to excellent dry white wines and sparkling varieties, all which allow the grape to shine through as a premier example of an excellent white wine varietal. One of the things which makes Riesling such a special grape is the fact that it is highly 'terroir expressive', meaning that the features of the land it is grown on can come across well in the flavors and aromas in the wine. As such, it isn't unusual to find flavors of white stone, or smoky ash-like notes in a fine Riesling alongside the more usual orchard fruit flavors more commonly associated with good white wines.

The Battenfeld Spaniard Riesling Frauenberg Large greenhouse is running light gold yellow into the glass. It presents itself with an intense, creamy and crispy fruit. Yellow stone fruit, apple pie, mango, quince, green walnuts, gooseberry, a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon as well as a complex minerality come to the fore. On the palate, the Spaniard Battenfeld "Frauenberg" Riesling Large greenhouse dry 2013 makes it "wooooowwww" opulent, luxurious, yet graceful and delicate - sounds crazy - but is so. An elegant and complex fruit composition accompanies a yet simple and precise Riesling. A juicy, finesse-rich and long white wine from this top location.