What I Learned
The Oberer Neckar, Upper Neckar, in English, is the smallest wine district in the Wuerttemberg Wine Region, with only about 30 hectares (acres) to its credit. The district’s name is due to its position in the upper third of the valley defined by the Neckar River. Its closest viticultural neighbors, Metzingen and Neuffen, as well as the Stuttgart Weinsteige, lie to the north (downriver) within the Remstal-Stuttgart wine district of the Wuerttemberg wine region.
Historically, the region’s vintners were challenged to get a crop undamaged to harvest. Tradition says that their wines were sour, and hence having a poor reputation for quality. Since 1990, that is changing. Helped by climate change (meaning better ripening for the grapes), and education, the wines are much improved.
Additionally, as with much in the German wine world, new or different varietals have been introduced with some success. The Sauvignon Gris-Johanniter cuvee listed below was an example. Johanniter is a white grape varietal developed in Germany in 1968. It is a cross of Riesling and Freiburg (itself a cross of Gutedel and Ruelander). The Sauvignon Gris, also known as Fie, is a mutation of Sauvignon Blanc, and is not usually found in Germany. This was a unique and delicious wine resulting from the wine-maker’s vision, experimentation and creativity, and a sign of the times for this wine district.
What I Tasted
2018 Weiss, Schwaebischer Landwein, Weingut Biesinger (Ammerbuch): A dry white wine cuvee (Sauvignon Gris, Johanniter) with medium gold color; a fruity, slight white grapefruit nose, with a hint of yeastiness, with floral, green apple, slight citrus and floral flavors; medium acidity, an interesting slightly prickly finish.
2016 Rivaner, Tuebinger Sonnenhalden, Qualitaetswein, Trocken, Weinbau Gugel: A dry white wine with pale white-gold color; a slight citrus nose, with a hint of licorice, with stone fruit flavors and a slight note of grapefruit; medium acidity, surprisingly smooth.
Sekt, Ammerbuchtal, Ammerbuch Pfaeffingen: A dry white sparkling wine, with fine, lively perlage, and medium plus gold color; nose of red apple, wood, and slight spice, with spice (almost mustard like) flavor, medium acidity, a surprisingly unique taste, which makes it interesting.