Reviewing Germany - A Taste of Nahe & Franken

The small Nahe region lies between the Mosel and Rheinhessen on steep south facing slopes along the Nahe River. Riesling is the most widely planted variety. Dornfelder and Muller-Thurgau are also important. The climate is warmer than the Mosel so their Riesling may have a riper fruit quality.
2010 Neuschwanstein Castle Riesling
Clear, pale lemon yellow color. Clean, medium intense youthful aromas of peach and lime blossom. Off dry, light body, low alcohol, high+ acidity with low flavor intensity and a short finish. Acceptable.

Franken is in the eastern part of the growing region and has a more extreme climate. Muller-Thurgau and Silvaner are the most important grapes.
2008 Castell-Castell Franken Silvaner Trocken
Clear, pale lemon yellow color. Clean, medium intense youthful aromas of lemon, almond and an unidentified floral note. Off dry, light body, medium alcohol, high acidity with a slightly bitter lemon pith / almond skin medium length finish. Good.

Reviewing Germany-Tasting the Mosel
Reviewing German-Tasting Rheinhessen
Reviewing Germany-Tasting the Rheingau

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Nocera - A Native Grape from Sicily

Nocera is a native grape from Sicily. It comes from the Messina province which is located in the northeast. Nocera is a quality red wine grape that is most known as a blender in the red wines of the Faro DOC. I had the opportunity to taste some pure versions (which according to Wine Searcher are rare) this week at a trade tasting held at Roma Restaurant in Houston. Wine production in the region dates back to the 14th Century BC, however, phylloxera decimated the vineyard area in 1881 leaving it at a fraction of its original size. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and coastal breezes, moderate rainfall, and mild winters, all ideal for grape growing. The Nocera grape is a bluish/black color and has a thick skin which allows for the production of structured wines with prominent tannins which are balanced by good acidity. High alcohol is common. Red wines produced from the grapes are an intense ruby color with purple highlights and aromas and flavors of dark fruits a

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In the September issue of Galveston Monthly, I'm celebrating California Wine Month with the Golden State's signature grape, Zinfandel. I am also sharing information on the ultimate experience for Zinfandel lovers, ZinEX, get more information on that event at https://zinfandelexperience.com/

The New Sub-Regions of Willamette Valley

In the June 2022 issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I explore the new sub AVAs and what makes each unique.

Wine Life - Houston

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