AP 51 23. Brilliantly restrained Kabinett. Still very much on the young side and barely showing much at this point, but impeccably balanced and clean. Compared to the 2021 versions from this vintner (which were spectacular!) this is a return to more clear, subdued Prädikat wines. Playful, fresh, a showing pure lemon freshness. A bit higher on the ABV than usual (9.5%) it seems to be more of a throwback to a few decades back. I'm curious to try this again in six months once it's settled in a bit, but it's beautiful now and I'm sure will be quite impressive down the road!
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Absolutely sensational! I have nothing to compare this with, being the first apple ice wine (Iscider = ice cider, but I'm not sure that as good of a description). From what I understand, apples don't ripen fully in northern Sweden, so they pick tart, unripe apples from the trees when they freeze in early winter. The pressings are analogous to a Riesling ice wine—concentrated sugars, intense flavors, and slightly viscous texture (looooong legs on this).
I wouldn't call this a cider, since there are no particulates and the wine is completely clear and filtered. Since the 2020 vintage, this producer has been using ambient yeasts and ferments to single-digit ABV. Medium yellow (not cider color at all) and an immediate and present nose of apples. The flavor is sharp and tart, but balanced by immense sweetness. almost like drinking the syrup at the bottom of an apple pie. Your mind is tricked into imagining baking spices, but it's really just a clear, pure apple.
I understand Skurnik is the United States distributor but I can't find anyone who actually carries it. Will reach out and buy this BY THE CASE if available. No idea how this will age, but it's so good right now. Sensational and unique dessert wine.
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I'm a relatively new convert to Etna Bianco wines and have generally been quite impressed by the quality and the interest of the Carricante grape varietal. The grip and acidity seems to work well with volcanic soils. The Cusumano Alta Mora 2020 shows the spiky, very mineral flavors well and does a good job highlighting the strengths of a middling vintage. Can be served a bit warmer than usual for an Etna Bianco without losing structure.
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2022 Emrich-Schönleber Monzinger Riesling Kabinett
9/15/2023 - Stevelayden Likes this wine: 93 Points
AP 51 23. Brilliantly restrained Kabinett. Still very much on the young side and barely showing much at this point, but impeccably balanced and clean. Compared to the 2021 versions from this vintner (which were spectacular!) this is a return to more clear, subdued Prädikat wines. Playful, fresh, a showing pure lemon freshness. A bit higher on the ABV than usual (9.5%) it seems to be more of a throwback to a few decades back. I'm curious to try this again in six months once it's settled in a bit, but it's beautiful now and I'm sure will be quite impressive down the road!
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2021 Brännland Iscider
6/25/2023 - Stevelayden wrote: 94 Points
Absolutely sensational! I have nothing to compare this with, being the first apple ice wine (Iscider = ice cider, but I'm not sure that as good of a description). From what I understand, apples don't ripen fully in northern Sweden, so they pick tart, unripe apples from the trees when they freeze in early winter. The pressings are analogous to a Riesling ice wine—concentrated sugars, intense flavors, and slightly viscous texture (looooong legs on this).
I wouldn't call this a cider, since there are no particulates and the wine is completely clear and filtered. Since the 2020 vintage, this producer has been using ambient yeasts and ferments to single-digit ABV. Medium yellow (not cider color at all) and an immediate and present nose of apples. The flavor is sharp and tart, but balanced by immense sweetness. almost like drinking the syrup at the bottom of an apple pie. Your mind is tricked into imagining baking spices, but it's really just a clear, pure apple.
I understand Skurnik is the United States distributor but I can't find anyone who actually carries it. Will reach out and buy this BY THE CASE if available. No idea how this will age, but it's so good right now. Sensational and unique dessert wine.
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2020 Cusumano Etna Alta Mora Bianco
6/7/2023 - Stevelayden Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm a relatively new convert to Etna Bianco wines and have generally been quite impressed by the quality and the interest of the Carricante grape varietal. The grip and acidity seems to work well with volcanic soils. The Cusumano Alta Mora 2020 shows the spiky, very mineral flavors well and does a good job highlighting the strengths of a middling vintage. Can be served a bit warmer than usual for an Etna Bianco without losing structure.
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