White Report

Every few trips to Total Wine, I seem to agree to a shopping theme in my head. A few weeks ago as I parked the car I decided to try whites, mostly "Euro trash" (I think I succeeded), but from grapes I had little to no knowledge of. I did however, throw the basic Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler Riesling into the mix for no good reason.

It's summer 2012, so enjoy the White Report:

New Zealand moscato

Mallee Point Moscato ($5.99)

Peach, cream soda. Hint of tropical fruit. As it warmed from sitting, reminded me of flat Canada Dry. Not sickening sweet. Good on the patio and with Mexican food. 2 glass commitment, max.

Grade: B-

Dr. Heidemanns DRY Riesling ($14.99)

I guess "dry" is Riesling code word for "sour." Who knew? This was too tart for me. Not sure if I should explore other dry Rieslings based on one unfavorable one or not, but I stick with wetter ones for the time being.


Grade: D-

Mueller Liebfraumilch ($6.99)


Having no idea what type of wine I was drinking, a quick Wikipedia search tells me that the word "Liebfraumilch" is a German word that literally translates to, "Beloved Lady's Milk." Nice.

Wikipedia also told me this about the grape, or should I say, region:

The generic label Liebfraumilch is typically used to market vintages from anywhere in the most of the major wine growing areas of Germany, the notable exception being the Mosel. Wine with very similar characteristics but made from higher quality grapes can be labeled as Spätlese or Auslese.


This further supports my claim that Riesling gives the biggest bang for the buck. Yes, a few bucks might get you a slightly smoother finish and the level of sweetness may vary, but from $7-$15, there's not a huge difference. Most are very enjoyable. 


Grade: B


Beth's Grade: B

Dr. Heidemann's Bergweiler 2010 Riesling ($.8.99)


I'm pretty sure I've had this before, and thought it too pineapple juicy. I still feel it's too pineapple juicy.

Grade: D+

Hans Schiller Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen 

I have no idea what's important on that label, but this was citrusy, crisp, clean and tasty. I liked it. On the sweet side, but very refreshing.

Grade: B
Beth's Grade: B

Urban 2010 Torrontes


This was one of Hi Time's, "Wine of the Months" Ok, not really THE wine of the month, but was mentioned/featured in the monthly newsletter. I was excited to try this because I'm a big fan of the Crios Torrontes.
It was good out of the gate. Much drier (not sour) than my usual Riesling go to's. It had a little melon flavor to it, and seemed refreshing. By glass 2 though, I was over it. I didn't enjoy it after that.

Grade: C

Gruner Veltliner 2010 Ried Sandgrube


An Austrian revisit. I still liked it. Crisp, clean, smooth, yet not too sweet. I'm a fan.

Grade: B

Palma Real Rueda ($6.99)


Beth opened this Spanish white while I was out and about. I got this informative text:

"Subtle notes of honey and green apple. Very light, crisp. Lacking in flavor."

I like flavor. I didn't like this.


Grade: D
Beth's Grade: C


Peace!