When most people think of German wine they think riesling. That’s fair… they do produce a lot of riesling and it tends to be pretty good riesling too. Some wine aficionados will also associate Germany with other white wines, like müller-thurgau or sylvaner. And those are also some tasty wines. But many people never think of Germany as a place for red wines, yet they do create some delicious ones. And the third most-planted variety in Germany is Spätburgunder, which is the German name for pinot noir.
Yes, Germany produces some tasty pinot noir and it’s something you may have overlooked all these years. It grows well in the same areas as riesling and as such is often competing for real estate. Therefore, you don’t see as much of it as you otherwise might.
This is one such pinot noir. Not only is this one good, but with a giant embossed monkey hugging the bottle it also wins the award for the freakiest wine bottle design I have ever seen! I know critters on wine labels tend to help sales, but this one is a little out of hand! Nonetheless, the wine is pretty darn good.
The color of this wine is a light brownish-red that looks a little older than it is. However it still smells fresh, with powerful spice and perfume/floral aromas layered over strawberry, cherry and raspberry. The palate also offers plenty of ripe fruit flavors like cranberry, raspberry and wild cherries. There is a touch of bitterness, hence the “wild” cherries. The acidity is sufficient and the mouthfeel is pleasant. It finishes with lingering wild cherry flavors. Overall, it has a unique personality and I like it.
Wine: Affentaler Valley of the Monkey Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot noir
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 85
Price: $17.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
Find Affentaler Valley of the Monkey Pinot Noir with Snooth
I can’t find a retailer who stocks the Pinot Noir or the Reisling! can you help? zip code 13865
wheen did you stop the green bottle with gold monkey on it
Hi Gene. I don’t think I’d have any better luck finding it in your area than you do. You may try searching for distributors who carry it in your area and then contact them to see what retailers have purchased it from them. I hope that helps.
Hi Gene (love your name BTW!) if you’re willing to contact Wine Warehouse here in South Jersey (856) 481-4499 they definitely have it. I don’t know if they ship. I must admit that I was underwhelmed by their Riesling. Perhaps because the Reislings from the Alsacean border tend to taste better to me. I am over the moon over their Pinot Noir. I’ve even cleared out their floor inventory (they only have 4 to 6 on any given day). I’ve bought this wine for the past four years and have yet to taste a bad year. Wineworksonline ships from NJ to NY. I don’t know where in New Jersey they are located to be honest. Also All Star Wine and Spirits sells it in Latham, NY. Not sure where that is in relation to you. At best, go to your local wine shop and see if they are willing to order for you. I did that with Wine Warehouse. I was desperate for Stags Leaf Viognier and that grape is so difficult to find in this area. That winery is in California. And though they had their Chardonnay in stock no Viogniers. They ordered it, the owner even bought a few bottles for himself. If you can’t get the Affentaler, I highly recommend 2014 Blackstone Pinot Noir (Northern California region). While only $8.99 this wine pack a juicy, fruity full flavored punch. It’s become my second go to Pinot. Best of luck to you!
Hi Gene where can i find the Reisling? my zip code is 70615