Monthly Archives: December 2012

Dec 06 2012
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Cider, USA

Woodchuck Hard Cider Winter

Woodchuck Hard Cider - Winter Edition

Woodchuck Hard Cider – Winter Edition

I’m swamped with work this week, so this has to be a short one (again). It is St. Nikolaus Day today and in Germany that means that kids receive gifts. Somehow, in my head, I have moved it to the day before St. Nikolaus…and lo and behold, he did stop by last night and left gifts.

One of them was this cider manufactured by Woodchuck, a big cider producer in the U.S. located in Vermont. You can check out their website here. Nina first served me Woodchuck ciders when I visited her in Philly in 2008 as we were reminiscing drinking Savanna Dry (I wrote about that cider here). Ever since, I have been drinking Woodchuck on an off, usually at parties.

The Winter cider is s seasonal release. Nina tried it first today and was quite intrigued. It tastes slightly oaky at first, but then you’re definitely hit by some vanilla notes and a refreshing acidity. It’s crisp and fresh and interesting, and actually quite yummy. (The back label lists oak and vanilla, and rarely ever have I found a cider description so spot on). The nicest thing about this cider is that it seems to have some welcome depth and sophistication, that I did enjoy a lot.

That said, it also upset my stomach a bit. Not sure whether that is because I hardly ate anything today or because of the cider…just warning you guys. Taste wise, it’s definitely a treat.

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Dec 02 2012
4 Comments
Germany, Sunday read

Sunday read: Black Forest Chateau

This Sunday, let’s broaden our horizon about German wines a bit further. While I am focused on rieslings mostly, there is another revolution going on in Germany and that is Spätburgunder, aka pinot noir. John Stimpfig wrote a great piece for the Financial Times.

Germany has been growing more and more of this grape variety, many of them clones from Burgundy. This article does a good job at explaining the wonder that these pinots can be. The article starts out fun:

“Should you ever need to accurately calibrate an oenophile’s knowledge of wine, here’s a handy question that will immediately expose them as buff or bluffer. Simply ask them what they think about German Spätburgunder, aka Pinot Noir. The bluffer will either stare at you blankly or snort with derision at such a preposterous idea. In marked contrast, the buff’s eyes will immediately light up before he or she enthusiastically acknowledges that Germany’s top Pinots are unquestionably giving the best of Burgundy a real run for its money.”

But he also dampens expectations with this:

“But as Monego diplomatically points out: “Compared to burgundy, we’ve only just reached Everest base camp, so there’s still a long way to go. German Pinot is a work in progress and there are many different routes to the summit.” What everyone can agree on is that there’s now a much greater recognition of German Spätburgunder beyond its home territory. But before you rush out to stock up on the latest must-have vintages, there are a couple of things you need to know. The first is that some are even harder to find and buy than burgundy. The other is that they’re often just as expensive.”

I for one, am just excited that there are exciting red wines in Germany, too…more choice, more to drink.

Have a great Sunday!

Black Forest Chateau

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