Wine knowledge

Sauvignon Blanc & Scheurebe –

The duel

It is often claimed that the Scheurebe is the German answer to Sauvignon Blanc. At first glance, the two varieties have nothing in common. They are neither related nor related by marriage. Whether the two are similar at all and why, you can find out below.

The Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a presumably late-ripening white wine vine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, from the southwest of France, which is considered a so-called noble vine. It has been documented there since the beginning of the 18th century and is one of the most important white grape varieties after Chardonnay. In addition to its worldwide distribution, the grape variety is also finding more and more winegrowers in Germany who are taking care of the grape variety. Sauvignon Blanc places high demands on the location. The grape variety thrives best on lean and dry soils. The grapes only reach full ripeness in warm south-facing locations with higher soil moisture. High humidity is also important, which influences the development of the bouquet. The resistance to winter frosts is low, and there is also a susceptibility to various diseases and coagulation. Due to the late ripening, the harvest time usually falls in October. High-quality wine can only be pressed from the fully ripe grape with appropriate extract. Typical of Sauvignon Blanc is a grassy spice in fragrance and aroma, which is either in the foreground or recedes somewhat in favor of fruity notes such as blackcurrants. These distinctive characteristics are usually continued in the taste. Dry wines taste best when young and impress with their noble acidity. The noble sweet wines of this variety usually also have a fine but clear acidity. These also have a good shelf life and become more and more harmonious and full-bodied with age.

The Scheurebe

The Scheurebe is a new breed from the 20th century. It is a cross between Riesling and Silvaner and was first bred by vine breeder Georg Scheu in Alzey in 1916. Originally, the grapevine was called Sämling 88. In Austria, this name is still used today. After a few name changes from S88, Sämling or Dr. Wagner-Rebe, it was decided to call the grape variety Scheurebe after its original inventor.

The Scheurebe is quite a demanding variety and made some demands on its location. It is also a rather late-ripening grape variety, which leads to multi-layered and quite complex smell and taste profiles in our climatic conditions. The aroma and scent of the Scheurebe is quite pronounced and anyone who has drunk a Scheurebe can easily recognize it. It has an accentuated varietal bouquet that can often be reminiscent of blackcurrants, mango, tangerines, peaches, lime, passion fruit or ripe pears. Scheurebe is often also offered in the semi-dry and sweet area. This additionally supports the varietal aromatics and makes the grape variety incredibly complex and can be used on many occasions.

 

You can download the detailed article here.

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The Chardonnay grape and its role in Chablis

The queen of white grape varieties finds its purest expression in Chablis.

What is Chablis?

Chablis, the signature Chardonnay wine, embodies the pure and perfect expression of an exquisite terroir. The history of what was once the largest wine-growing region in France dates back to the Middle Ages. It was Cistercian monks who initiated the cultivation of wine here. Here, in northern Burgundy, the wines benefit from cool temperatures and calcareous soils.

These include the Kimmeridge limestone marl, which can only be found in a few regions.

It is so rich in tiny fossil oyster shells that it makes you think of a dried-up seabed, which is true. This unique climatic-geological combination gives Chablis wine its characteristic minerality, crisp acidity and fine fruitiness.

To understand the different facets of the Chablis terroir, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the four quality levels of the Chablis region.

Each stage represents a specific combination of soil, climate, and location that shapes the character of the wines.

 

You can download the detailed article here.

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Barolo: The King of Italian Wines

Barolo, often referred to as the "King of Wines and Wine of Kings", is not only an exceptional red wine from Piedmont, but also a cultural asset of Italy. Its exceptional quality, complex aroma and long history make it one of the most respected wines in the world.

Let's delve deeper into the world of Barolo and explore its origins, characteristics and meaning.

You can download the detailed article here.