2_1_DiscoverGermany_April2014_Issue13_copy:Scan Magazine 1
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Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Iris Ellmann
Iris Ellmann (left) is managing director at The WineBarn, an award-winning merchant of German wine based in beautiful Hampshire. The WineBarn, Clump Farm Barn, Farleigh Lane, Dummer, Hampshire RG25 2AF E-mail: iris@thewinebarn.co.uk www.thewinebarn.co.uk
Introducing The WineBarn I was born and raised in Germany and good German wine is my passion. When I moved to the UK in 1994 I was appalled to discover that good German wine simply wasn’t available. I vowed to change that and have been importing the best wines that Germany has to offer for 14 years now. TEXT: IRIS ELLMANN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES
Passionate about wine, I am constantly on the hunt for new producers and exciting new wines and look forward to sharing my discoveries with you through this wine column. On average I spend three months a year in Germany (one week per month) hunting out new producers to add to our portfolio but I am very selective, ensuring that each one produces exceptional wines that work with good food. The style of wine I select is modern, dry and elegant; something with individuality and preferably grape varieties that are indigenous to the region. My recommended wine choice for this month is from Allendorf. The Allendorf Family has lived and worked in the Rheingau for around 700 years, with the first wines produced in 1773. Spread over 60 hectares it is one of the biggest familyowned wineries in the Rheingau. Most exciting is Allendorf’s revival project of the Red Riesling grape, claimed to be the actual origin of any white Riesling. This grape va-
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riety was first mentioned in 1490 near Worms and has similar taste characteristics to that of white Riesling, though a little more complex with rose hip flavours. Over 75 per cent of Allendorf’s wines are clear Rieslings and approximately 10 per cent are Pinot Noirs whose style is dense with lots of character. Being full-bodied they require time to mature and show their full potential, so my advice is to buy them now but with a view to laying them down for a few years. Believe me, it will be worth the wait! The 2012 Winkler Hasensprung Roter (Red) Riesling dry is characterised by a well-defined structure with an elegant acidity which keeps one coming back for more. Exhibiting a strong aroma of green limes, oranges and apricots, it displays elegance and a wealth of finesse on the tongue, accompanied by a rich fruitiness. This wine perfectly complements appetizers, fish and seafood, as well as veal. The ideal drinking temperature is around 9°C.
I look forward to sharing some great wines with you over the coming months. Happy Drinking!
2012 Winkler Hasensprung Roter (Red) Riesling dry. Photo: Hans-Jürgen Heyer