A German Pinot Noir

I haven’t come across too many Pinot Noirs from Germany so when I saw this one in the store I had to buy it. Basic notes:

2005 Kendermanns Pinot Noir
Pfalz, Germany
Appearance: Pale ruby, pale salmon rim to pink edge, clear, day bright.
Nose: Strawberry, cherry pie filling, cedar chips, barley, red raspberry, spiced apple.
Palate: Strawberry, cherry pie filling, spiced apple, rhubarb, cedar, toasted hazelnut. TASTY!
Structure: Dry, medium- acidity, medium+ alcohol (13%), medium+ body, medium+ intensity, medium tannins, low oak, medium finish, medium+ complexity, rather well-balanced.

Definitely liked! I was surprised how fruit-forward it was without the earthiness or minerality of Old World but in a Pinot Noir I can accept a lot.

A Gentle Whisper From France

Today’s wine is a 2004 Château de Maligny Chablis (Premier Cru). Under the light it’s clear, pale gold turning to pale straw to the edge, star bright, medium bodied. The nose offers lemon, apple, pear and chalk, mirrored in the palate with lemon, lemon zest & pith, butter, apple and chalk. This dry wine has high acidity, mild alcohol, no detectable oak or tannins, medium complexity and a medium finish. Exactly what a Chablis should present. If you’re looking for a sipping wine this may not be intense enough (unless you prefer mysterious wines) — food pairing is where this wine shines. I was happy to sip something quiet so I can’t tell you what it paired well with but as long as you’re going for a light-bodied dish this is would be a great accompaniment.