Not only is the label on the wine colorful, but the meal was also. Both were delicious as well, though no picture of the meal exists because it was eaten without the thought of photography.
The wine in question was a 2011 Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese from the Mosel region of Germany. The Merkelbach brothers (Rolf is also credited on the label) make some of my favorite, affordable Rieslings and this one is certainly no exception.
First there was a hint of kerosene, but that blew off quickly. Next was citrus aromas and a definite suggestion of spring flowers in bloom. Citrus and crisp apple flavors were primary, but there was an underlying sense of minerality that moved this beyond the ordinary. There was a bit a sweetness on the finish but the acid in this wine kept it from being the primary feature.
Dinner was stir fried lamb, asparagus and red peppers all flavored with dried chilies, garlic and ginger and finished in a sauce of mostly hoisin sauce. Simple, easy, colorful and delicious.
The bit of sweetness in the wine was just about perfect for the heat from the dried chilies. Each gave the other some balance. Wonderful stuff. One more in the cellar.
2011 Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese. 9.5% alcohol and $21
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