Weingut Geil is a family winery located in the village of Bechtheim in Germany’s Rheinhessen. Johannes Geil-Bierschenk tends 30 hectares of vines that include Riesling, Silvaner, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Kerner, Scheurebe, Rieslaner, Huxelrebe, Muskateller and St. Laurent in the family’s estate vineyards. Organic practices are followed. I’m pretty sure this is our first taste of Scheurebe and it was provided to us as a tasting sample.
Scheurebe is a cross created by Georg Scheu in 1916. It was originally thought to be a cross between Riesling and Silvaner, but this was not confirmed by DNA profiling. Robinson, Harding and Vouillamoz write in Wine Grapes that the other parent is an unknown variety. Wines of Germany identifies that parent as Bukettrebe.
Scheurebe was bred in Rheinhessen and was more widely planted in the past than it is today. Robinson describes it as, “Underrated and declining early-twentieth-century German cross capable of producing intense, refreshing, dry and sweet wines.”
2015 Geil Bechtheimer Scheurebe Kabinett, Rheinhessen — pale yellow in the glass with generous aromas of pineapple guava with strong floral scents. Fruit flavors of pineapple and ripe peach are backed with hints of white pepper and candle wax. The wine is a bit round, perceivably sweet, but balanced by nice acidity, which remains juicy throughout the long finish. 9.5% abv. About $15
Sip this chilled on a warm afternoon and enjoy it as it warms a bit in your glass. Also lovely while cooking or paired with something spicy.
Thanks to Wines of Germany USA for this introduction to the very aromatic and flavorful German variety, Scheurebe.
Cheers!
