Along with everything else we anticipated, it’s “Auf Wiedersehen” to Oktoberfest 2020. Although wars and epidemics have caused the occasional cancellation of this Bavarian festivus of food, beer and amusement since its inception, many (including me) want the show to go on… in a socially distanced manner. How? I’m planning to don my dirndl and celebrate right here at home with four German wines (sent as samples) sipped with traditional dishes. Grab the flugelhorn and let’s do this!
Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Instead of a traditional private affair, the wedding was public. Everyone in Munich were invited to help celebrate in the fields beyond the city gates and in true form, the merriment lasted for several days. Food and beer were abundant and a horse race that concluded the occasion helped seal the marriage. Although the annual horse race has gone by the wayside, what began as a wedding reception is now the largest folk festival in the world. Tents upon tents focusing on family activities, traditional German dishes and gourmet delights, enormous amounts of beer, and German wines (including sekt, the country’s sparkling wine) have been offered. In 2019, 6.3 million visitors from around the globe attended the festival. You’re wondering why Oktoberfest begins in September? Apparently, producers wanted to take advantage of the month’s warm weather since its final day is always the first Sunday of October.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Oktoberfest and Wines from Germany
Learning to love and appreciate German wines is to understand the various microclimates, extensive soil types, and regional history. Concentrated in the southwest part of the country, Germany’s vineyard area is divided into 13 official wine regions. I encourage you to visit one of my go-to resources: German Wines USA. Click here for more.
From the Rheingau region are two wines that I found refreshing and flavorful. 2018 Leitz Rosé Trocken (around $16) was a snappy, tart rosé of Pinot Noir. Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, red currants, herbs and spice led to flavors of bright red fruit lifted by bracing minerality and bright acidity. The lasting finish was perfection…
2002 Hans Lang Riesling Spatlese Hattenheimer Schutzenhaus was nirvana in the glass. Aromas of jasmine, orange blossom, yellow flowers, dried apricot, salinity and touch of petrol were a lovely introduction. On the palate, the creamy mouthfeel enhanced flavors of hazelnuts, orange peel, juicy peaches, dried pineapple and apricot. Lush, rich and with the slightest touch of sweet, this utterly satisfying Riesling is one to adore.
Prestigious Rheingau is of vineyards located on moderately steep slopes on the northern banks of the rivers Main and Rhine, giving the land a southern exposure. Riesling dominates the plantings and more than 80% of the wines are produced in a dry style. In fact, in the 1980s, the Rheingau was where the modern style of German dry white wine began. The wines tend to show a medium to full body and notes of ripe peaches on the nose and palate.
Just wow! The Rheinhessen region delivered flavor and a creamy mouthfeel with each pour of 2015 Weinreich Weissburgunder & Chardonnay Trocken ($12). This glorious blend of German Pinot Blanc (called Weissburgunder) and Chardonnay offered enticing aromas of fresh green apples, citrus and herbs. The lush palate burst with plenty of orchard fruit, minerality, bright acidity and a lasting finish.
The Rheinhessen is the largest wine growing region of Germany with regards to amount of area under vine. Red varieties including Dornfelder, Portugieser and Spatburgender make up about 30% of the plantings. White varieties of Riesling, Silvaner and Grauburgunder dominate. The best vineyards are in an area of steep sloping vineyards around Nierstein and produce some of the most full-bodied Rieslings in all of Germany.
From Nahe is 2016 Donnhoff Tonschiefer Riesling Trocken ($25). Boasting casual elegance, refreshing aromas of granite, apricots and white peaches were breathtaking. Juicy and refreshing, this pure Riesling offered vibrant acidity and notes of salinity, petrol, lime peel, snappy citrus… and a bold finish.
The Nahe region boasts vineyards blanketing the large swath that lies between the Mosel and Rheinhessen Rivers. Vineyards are on south facing slopes as steep as those in the Mosel, but soil types are more varied and include slate, porphyry, quartz and colored sandstone. The best wines from the area are Riesling, the most planted variety. Styles range from those found in the Mosel or the fuller-bodied Rhine style. Wines tend to be sharp in acidity yet present a riper fruit than those from the Mosel, thanks to the warmer climate.
Authentic Oktoberfest Dishes
Although Oktoberfest revelers love their beer (“Prost” to that!), the German wines noted above taste delicious with authentic dishes, too. Consider roasted chicken with skin that’s crispy and golden, schweinebraten (pork roasted with dark beer and onions), schweinshaxe (roasted ham hocks), steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), wurstll (Bavarian sausages), brazen (soft, salty pretzels), Kasespatzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut, or Obatzda (spiced cheese and butter spread). Find tantalizing recipes here.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Andrea
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