Tonight we have a double-header review, with two different rieslings from Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler. These two fall slightly above our typical price limit, but it’s always interesting to see how more pricey wines compare to the bargains we typically review. And with a little hunting, you may find these wines for under $20.
The Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler family has a history of winemaking dating back to the 16th century. They are a vineyard-centric producer, meaning that they focus on the unique characteristics of their vineyards to create different wines. While many other producers will combine grapes from multiple vineyards during production, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler keeps them separate, fermenting grapes from each of their 15 different vineyards separately. And those 15 vineyards are in the Mosel region of Germany.
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese
The Wehlener Sonnenuhr part of the name refers to the vineyard where the grapes for this riesling were grown. It’s in the heart of Mosel, near the village of Wehlen.
The aromatics from this wine are quite pleasant and have a honeysuckle and citrus quality to them. The palate is sweet, but has enough acidity to balance that sweetness. The flavors are mostly citrus, like lemon and lime, although there’s a touch of peach. On the finish, that peach flavor becomes more pronounced and lingers for a long finish.
Wine: Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 8%
Rating: 88
Price: $28.00
Find Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese with Snooth
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett
Just like the previous wine, the Bernkasteler Badstube part of the name is a reference to the vineyard. This is their largest vineyard, located in the northwest end of Bernkastel.
There is a slightly herbal nature to the aromatics on this riesling, along with some floral, mineral and tropical fruit aromas. The palate is slightly sweet and offers tasty apple, peach and mandarin orange flavors. The acidity is sufficient, although a smidge more would be even better. It finishes long, with lots of peach and apple flavors. For those who like a riesling that’s on the slightly sweet side, this is a very nice choice.
Wine: Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 9%
Rating: 86
Price: $22.00
Find Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.