German Wines

Anything sparkling turns me into a giddy girl, but I was particularly fond of this 2008 Raumland Blanc de Noirs Vintage Brut ($45) from Germany. I love a Pinot Noir sparkling wine aged to perfection, and this fits the bill.

Creamy, smooth, and packed with crisp bubbles, this wine has a complex and developed flavor that is everything I would expect from a sparkling wine produced in the méthode traditionnelle. This mellow vintage brut should be stored away until a noteworthy celebration calls for its popping. And because it has such a delicate flavor profile, it should be enjoyed on its own.

I have a confession to make, and I'll be blaming this one on the frosty pitcher: I've been much more into punch cocktails this Summer, and a lot less into wine. I was a little worried the phase might take a while to pass — but then I tried Kruger-Rumpf's Riesling Kabinett ($18).

This wine comes from the Lower Nahe region of Germany, a wine-producing area that's best known for its Riesling. And a wonderful Riesling this is. It begins with hints of petrol and pear, but midway through I detected very floral notes of rose. And while it starts on the dry side, a sip ends with a very sweet, yet tart finish.

In a seemingly impossible feat, I didn't finish the entire bottle in one sitting, and the screwcap kept the wine in very drinkable condition — even after several days. Have you ever had Kruger-Rumpf? What's your favorite Riesling?