Wine of the Month August 2012

2011 Lagrein Rosé

Schreckbichl

7.90

For several years, together with Hammers Weinkostbar, one of Berlin and Germany’s best winebars, I’ve been organizing blind tastings under the name ‘Wein Lab’ for the Wein Hilft, or wine helps, charity (see www.weinhilft.de, though sadly only in German at the moment). Our latest tasting was in search of the world’s best still rosé wine, and it was a real roller-coaster ride. The official winner, i.e. the group favorite, was the 2011 Montfort Spätburgunder BA – yes, a German Pinot Noir dessert wine! – from Klostermühle Odernheim in Odernheim/Nahe. It had the most beautiful Pinot nose, but was not exactly a refreshing summer wine, being just too sweet and too concentrated for that purpose (though beautifully balanced in this style). My personal favorite for summer refreshment was the 2011 Lagrein Rosé from the Schreckbichl co-operative winery in the mainly German-speaking Südtirol (Alto Adige) province of Italy. It looked like a pale-colored red wine, but combined beautiful red and black berry aromas with some real richness and awesome freshness. It is also moderate in alcoholic content for a rosé with this much flavor (12,5%) and superb value for money. May the summer be with you!

2011 Lagrein Rosé from Schreckbichl is €7,90 from

www.belvini.de

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