We picked the Schätzel 2017 Niersteiner Silvaner to celebrate our first and likely last winter snowstorm. Our choice might raise some eyebrows. Yet, we see a unique connection between Silvaner or Sylvaner and snow because we watch many Christmas bazaar walks on YouTube during the winter holiday. Coincidentally, many walk videos are from small, picturesque German towns covered in snow.
After our trip to Germany and the Franconia region winery hopping, we are getting more curious about German Silvaner structure and flavors.
Schätzel 2017 Niersteiner Silvaner Tasting Notes
This Silvaner from Rheinhessen initially appears as shy as a wallflower.
As we poured it into a glass, we sensed a delicate, restrained reduction that reminded us of an aged German Riesling with notes of light petroleum and sunflower seeds. It was too cold (about 53F), and we let it warm up for some time.
After only 15- 20 minutes, it opened up with aromas of acacia blossoms, tropical fruit, kiwi, and gooseberries. Quite unusual because typical Sylvaner is driven by mainly green fruit aromas. On the palate, it’s a combination of apricot, lemon, and yellow kiwi with a dried apricot finish. Think Stollen cake!
While crisp acidity is one of the hallmarks of wines from this grape, in contrast, wines from the Franconia region consider Sylvaner (they spell it with “Y”) its flagship variety, the 2017 Niersteiner Silvanerhas has a more substantial body.
To sum up, the 2017 Niersteiner Silvaner from Kai Schätzel has the manner of a neat, uncomplicated bon vivant that sure can put anyone in a jolly mood during a winter storm. That’s our pick for the first snowstorm of 2024 in Portland, Oregon.
What’s yours? What kind of wine do you drink when the snowstorm comes?
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