Riesling Lessons

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt
Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett
2005
9% ABV | Price: about $19

I'm trying to learn about Riesling, so I'm buying all I can find (and afford). My local merchant thrust this into my hands the other day. "It's delicious," he said, shaking his head lightly, the way one does when one recalls a memory with both disbelief and pleasure. 

I poured myself a glass as I began to strip fresh peas from their shells, shave young fennel into thin strips, and prep fresh herbs from the garden. The wine is deep gold, with a savory, floral aroma weighted by something a little oily, a little herbaceous. I had picked a lot of sage tonight, and as I washed it gently, its fragrance bloomed in my hands, marrying suddenly with the wine, the two blending high notes and low notes, dissolving into the middle distance, together.

It's a Qualitätswein mit Prädikat, off-dry, with blushing stone fruit and good acidity. I like learning about Riesling.