Good wines should put you in a good mood – and they don’t have to cost enormous sums of money. Only fair bottles play in this U20 budget wine selection. And none of them costs more than 20 euros. My favorite best wines under 20 euros on a fair budget – come in and wine out!
Three euro into the phrase pig, however: Good taste does not have to be expensive. That also applies to my favorite topic, wine. Of course it is cool to experience a 80 Euro wine. But I actually experience it less then. Rather I put myself under pressure with every breath and sip to taste every cent.
Secret taste: budget wines under 20 Euro
That’s why from now on I will regularly present in this section my budget wines under 20 Euro, which have flashed me. Condition: all of them tasted by myself. From insider tip, local hero to, yes: supermarket. Because: rather drink well than talk anger. Enjoy!
Gagliole Biancolo (Toskana, Italien)
If you’re looking for Italian wine infatuation, you can’t go past the fountain of love Gagliole. The winery was taken over in 1990 by the Swiss Dr. Thomas Bär and his wife Monika and is one of my absolute favorites. The fruit salads are made in the small town of Castellina in Chianti. All grapes are handpicked and carefully processed after delivery to the winery. Only the best grapes find their way into the large wooden barrels and French barriques. You can imagine how much Italy – or more precisely, Tuscany – is delivered to your glasses.
The wines of Gagliole are also neither cerebral nor full of airs and graces, and that’s why I’m happy to present them here and recommend the winery to you. They serve honest good-mood wine with a fine, elegant twist. Like the Biancolo.
Delights festive dinner just as easy picnic fun in the summer: the Tuscan flirt Gagliole Biancolo.
Great conversation piece that does not put a flavor leaf in front of the mouth: the white wine Gagliole Biancolo.
Here the two traditional white wine vines Trebbiano (one of the oldest great vines in Italy) and Chardonnay complement each other like tomato, basil and mozarella. The charming white wine smells untruthfully already at a meter distance like a morning at the sea, cool breeze, warm sand, awesome day. You have wanderlust? and rightly so! A wine like pure bathing fun in a sea of herbs and citrus fruits! Fresh, nice acidity, crisp. Just put it in the glass and beam directly to Italy.
Gagliole Biancolo, Price: 13,80 Euro, via über www.brogsitter.de/gagliole-biancolo
Riesling Verde, Weingut Eva Fricke, Rheingau
Still looking for whimsical summer wines? Then stop! Leave everything, take the shopping cart and throw this thing in (several times). You open a bottle of this white wine and bang – you feel as if you were beamed onto a terrace in the middle of the Douro valley. Why Portugal? Sure: The Verde comes straight outta Rheingau. There, winemaker Eva Fricke has specialized in Rieslings and dedicated a homage to the Portuguese Vinho Verde.
Tastes as cheeky, unconventional and entertaining as my shirt looks: Verde by Eva Fricke is a real summer wine.
Straight recommendation, especially for curious fruit salad beginners: Gather friends and pour the thing here chilled!
This mostly straw-colored wine from the north of Portugal is rather light with an alcohol content of 8.5 to 11 percent by volume – and thus an exciting alternative to the after-work drink, which of course should not be too heavy. This variant is spritzing, fruity and chilled simply a cool summer wine. And it is exactly this character that winemaker Eva Fricke had in mind for her Verde. The person behind this (still) insider tip is in a great mood for cool wine with character. Born in Bremen, she has found her home in the Rheingau and now runs a 13-hectare vineyard in Eltville. From there, the wines have traveled the world and have made their way onto the wine lists of some of the best restaurants around the world. Nevertheless, none of the wines stand out, and the fruit salads are fairly affordable even for beginners. The Verde, for example, costs no more than a drink in a fancy city bar at 14 euros and is a more fun and sensible investment when shared with friends.
In the truest sense of the word “creator of excellent wine”: Winemaker Eva Fricke has dedicated herself to Riesling, her winery is considered one of the best in Germany. At least.
Their philosophy: sustainable, ecological and fair production. And here you can taste that the person behind it really wants wine with character.
And how does the Riesling Verde taste now? Imagine you are sitting, at noon on the riverbank, your feet in the water, a light breeze, and around it endless chains of hills. Every sip like a step into the water, an apple-lemon cocktail for all those who like a little bit of sweeter without it getting kitschy. For me the Ariana Grande among the Rieslings: a classy-facetted, smooth catchy tune for the glass. More wines of my winemaker’s discovery will be presented here shortly.
Eva Fricke, Verde Riesling 2019 QBA, Price: 14 Euro, via www.evafricke.com/2019-verde
Schumann-Nägler Supranova Rheingau Riesling Sekt b.A Brut
Houston, we have champagne – everything, but no problem! With this sparkling wine collector’s item the makers have once again hit the nail on the head. And the Schumann-Nägler winery is not only allowed to use these puns, but is now conjuring up its trademark in style on the label of a special sparkling wine: the Riesling Brut with the distinctive name Supranova is adorned by an astronaut in a tuxedo. So I celebrated it right away.
“We wanted something very special for our premium sparkling wine. A design that literally takes your breath away. The astronaut dressed in a tuxedo symbolizes the achievement of new spheres. To make the impossible possible. The tension between two different worlds,” explains Philipp Schumann, co-owner of the winery. Can be done in any case. The Schumann-Nägler winery is now in its 25th generation. A living family tradition. For Philipp and David Schumann, the current owners of the winery, viticulture always has something to do with responsibility – towards the environment, towards customers and towards the next generation. Together they currently cultivate around 40 hectares of vineyards in the Rheingau – 90 percent of which are Riesling. So you can imagine that fruit salads have the snuggliest conditions to grow big for the glass.
If this is not label love. The Riesling Brut of 2018 was produced with traditional bottle fermentation and lay on the yeast for twelve months.
The hand-picked grapes come from the Wisselbrunnen, probably one of the most famous vineyards in the Rheingau.
Sounds like good conditions to pour some nice pearls for mom and grandma. There are plenty of them per bottle. And how does it taste now, Markus?
It’s like landing helmet first in a flower meadow, collecting quinces and peaches left and right, and inhaling it all with fresh spring water and air.
Pushes you back and forth a bit, pulls you back in again. Down-to-earth you can also write in many facets or with grapes. I’m curious what my mom has to say.
Schumann-Nägler Supranova Rheingau Riesling Sekt b.A Brut, Price: 20 Euro, via www.schumann-naegler.de/shop
Love & Hope Rosé „Balloon Girl“ x BANKSY, Weingut St. Antony, Rheinhessen
What a good wine. Absolute label-love or? And no, neither Es, a clown nor Stephen King have anything to do with it. But Steven, one of my trusted wine dealers, helped me to get the freshly bottled limited Love & Hope Rosé “Balloon Girl” edition, which the cool Rhine-Hessian VDP.Winery St. Antony has conjured up with the artist BANKSY. Right, the BANKSY.
Chess, Matt: Resistance is useless in Love & Hope. Direct rosé love.
The winery from Nierstein on the Rhine is one of my favorites, I especially like the red wines. No wonder that the rosé is as good (cuddling on the palate) as one of my favorite jackets.
It is often the chance encounters that have a lasting effect on our lives. Be it in private or in a business environment. Such a coincidence led to the fact that we can present the Love & Hope Rosé together with BANKSY”, says Dirk Würtz, managing partner of the VDP.winery. “The wine should be understood as a positive statement in the current situation, because what could be more important now than love and hope! The man is right.
Spread Love in these times. Love & Hope Rosé x BANKSY is for me the most delicious collector’s item of the year so far.
All grapes of the Pinot Noir and Blaufränkisch Bio Cuvée come from the Roter Hang in the Rheinhessen wine growing region. And how does the charming message in a bottle taste? Like kissing cherry ice cream. So simple. And sometimes just plain delicious. Honestly: This is a wine where you switch off the world around you for one bottle. A wine that brings a smile to even the strongest Resting Bitch Face. Or to put it in the words of a well-known philosopher: Moa, delicious!
The best: Everyone can afford this liquid BANKSY, you can treat yourself to this pink work of art for 9.90 Euros. And maybe even use it as a cute flower vase. The Love & Hope Rosé BANKSY is available directly via the Shop of St. Antony under www.st-antony.de/shop/rose/loveandhope
Grauburgunder Reserve, Weingut Bietighöfer, Pfalz
What can you do with a quiet weekend at home? Clearing out? Decelerate? Better: uncork! If I can’t get to the wine bar, the wine just comes to me. Or you – and Brudi here, I can only recommend for a date. I got to know the wines of Stefan Bietighöfer at an event of the Generation Riesling. The labels with partly acrobatic animals are already stirring: The winegrower has his own head, and I like exactly these refreshing wines in a double sense.
Stefan is a cool guy from the South Palatinate hinterland and simply shoots good mood wine into the glass. But not in the Mario Barth catapult way, but casually-elegant with the fine humor blade.
Budgets wines deluxe: The Game of Pear Pinot Gris has a finish that makes you want to scream encore and clap your hands on the bottle and glass.
In addition, the charming white wine applies for the fair play award for price/performance. For just under 12 euros the circus comes to your wine glass. Don’t forget to taste – of course this also applies to the other wines from Stefan’s assortment. Bietighöfer Grauburgunder Reserve, for example about www.genuss7.de/weingut-bietighoefer
Grauburgunder, Weingut David Klenert, Kraichgau
David Klenert’s wines are for me all reason for voluntary detention (I already introduced another of his wines to you in the Weinheim wine shopping list). Today the fun maker is quoted here on & in the glass: the Pinot Gris Made in Kraichgau. Say: made in Germany. David is just over 30 and just thought: I’m going to start my own business with wine. I’m patting him on the shoulder from here because: we (wine beginners and wine quirks) all here profit from this decision. He takes a casual approach, the charming budget wines are not conceited, but rather approachable and simply make you feel good.
I will taste Grauburgunder. I will taste Grauburgunder. I will …
I say yes: for great wines you don’t always have to travel half a world. Pinot gris are versatile – they can be discreet, easygoing, sometimes sweet, sometimes crunchy, but also very cheekily cultivated and put an unexpectedly quick-witted fruit basket into the taste bucket. Just like this one from David.
David’s Pinot Gris is not a “I-will-fame-and-attention” Bad Boy, not a follower who wants to taste everyone, but one who dares and one who doesn’t take himself too seriously.
If you like yellow fruits (sorry, Bart) you can’t go wrong with the Pinot Gris. As if honeydew melon or mirabelle were knocking gently and freshly. Nice. For me it’s a wine that will get you a stone in the board at female wine tasters, no matter if best friend, Bae or Mom.
And the best: the entertainer will not cost you 9 Euros. So: skate to the digital wine dealer of trust and put a bottle on the conveyor belt. And as soon as he has taken a little sip, Bart won’t look so angry anymore. That’s a promise! David Klenert Grauburgunder, Price: 8,40 Euro, via www.badische-weine.de/
Weingut Kirchknopf, Churchbutton Red, Austria
If you are looking for a trivial one-wine serenade, please scroll on. The Cuvee Churchbutton Red 2018 from the Kirchknopf Winery in Leithaberg is a red fruit salad that you should try a little bit because it crackles more with every date.
The wine is a real flatterer – but not simply knitted, not 08/15, not in a glass, finished. The Churchbutton doesn’t whisper “you’re really cute” or “really nice eyes” on Temptation Island level when you’re having a vulnerable moment. Just imagine Susi and Tramp in their famous scene. On the left Merlot, on the right Zweigelt, both are eating a dignified berry spaghetti and at the end both are biting into a likewise dignified wooden barrel.
This thing, which has been aged for 18 months in small and large wooden barrels, is a flirt that makes you curious, that you want to get to know better – and somehow you don’t want to have everything revealed right at the first drink. Because it’s fun not to know whether more wild berries, raspberries or dark chocolate are in the mood today. Michael Kirchknopf, the winegrower and behind the cool grape juice is, by the way, even younger than me and took over the winegrowing of his grandparents in the world champion year 2014. Good hit for Austria. The only time the red wine sells below value is at the price.
The Churchbutton Red rolls over the edge of your bed for under 10 Euro (W). And for once you should give the bottle a chance. Price: about 9 Euro, about over www.weingut-kirchknopf.at/ or www.weinco.de/churchbutton-red
Black Pearl Merlot, Weingut Hoffmann, Austria
Who says that treasure chests must always be made of wood or metal and full of gold? Sometimes a simple cardboard box has the same effect. The Black Pearl here has no sails, cannons or undead monkeys at the start, but is a sure shot for all those who like to leave shallow waters when drinking red wine. The pithy Merlot brings you from the Austrian Burgenland to Tortuga and tastes as you slide back and forth on the deck in a medium swell and inhale with a captain’s hat to the best notes of berries, plums, chocolate and vanilla wood.
Little adventure in a bottle for a fair prize – you can board the Black Pearl for a little under 15 Euros. For example online. Or, even better, you can hijack locally from your trusted wine dealer.
I got to know this fruit salad during a tasting at Das Weinheim (where else), and if you sail in the Munich region, you can also support the team of my favorite wine bar and order goods from the safe. Just check the selection on dasweinheim.de, take it with you on the walk-in through the window or simply have it delivered. Sounds like a good coup, doesn’t it? Hoffmann Black Pearl Merlot, for example about www.weinober.de
Weißweine Die Gefährten, Fürstlich Castell’sches Domänenamt, Franconia
Wines must have personalities. This one even has three. (Besides Silvaner, Riesling, Burgundy Cuvée there is another red wine from the wine line, but it will be presented separately). In my Hood Franconia, the team around Prince Ferdinand zu Castell-Castell thought: Let’s throw wine tradition and Lord of the Rings into a barrel. The result is three relaxed white wine companions for all everyday world rescues.
Do not be deceived by the label: The appearance is aristocratic (behind each label there is a real historical Casteller personality), but these wines under 20 Euros are as close as a countess early in the morning without make-up.
And: much more tolerable! I invited the Countess and Princess to a familiar environment for a tasting: the Fantasie Castle Park. Their Highness should feel comfortable.
And how does the team taste now? “Countess Amalia” is a creamy Riesling with a water feature of apple, peach and pineapple. Really lively, cuddles up more in your heart with every sip (without pompousness). Light tingling sensation included.
All fans of dry, uncomplicated Silvaner give their ring to “Countess Sophia Juliana”. She trickles through the glass like a stream of yellow fruit and pear. To melt away without Rosamunde Pilcher kitsch. Picnic Date Level 2018.
Keyword Date: The white and Pinot Gris cuvée “Princess Marie-Louise” also feels comfortable when toasting with the jogging pants princess. Doesn’t take itself too seriously and you don’t really want to leave the maze of caramel, vanilla and honey.
Summary: With the wines you can get as far as Mordor. But I think that it’s perfect for your own couch, garden or balcony.
Fürstlich Castell’sches Domänenamt, Wein-Serie Die Gefährten, Price: White wines each 11 Euro, via castell.de/shop/vdp-erstelage-gefaehrten
Weingut Bernhard, Cuvée Scheurebe & Silvaner, Rheinhessen
I met Martina at an event of the Generation Riesling. Together with her father Jörg she has been managing the Bernhard Winery in Rheinhessen since 2015. I have seldom met someone who has lived so much for his job, someone who really feels what he is doing like the lively Martina. My absolute favorite wine was the Cuvée Scheurebe and Silvaner, where even the Fresh Prince of Bel Air still takes Freshness lessons.
The white wine cuvée Scheurebe & Silvaner by Martina is your wine Next Door, casual, easy, cheeky, crisp – and more addictive than chips.
Try it out: Behind “Gute Laune Wein” in the dictionary you could put a picture of Martina’s Scheurebe-Silvaner. Enough said, this is a white wine to get to know. Price: 9 Euro, via wirwinzer.de
Stahlnagel Silvaner, Weingut Nagel, Franconia
Franconia in da House: I recently came across Tobias Nagel from the Nagel winery in Dettelbach while tasting at the Franconian wine bar Lump, Stein und Küchenmeister in Munich. His style: Cool, casual wines with character, but which are not self-promoting.
His line Stahlnagel is perfect for beginners and the curious – an uncomplicated introduction to the winery’s product range. The “Stahl” wines made from Riesling Silvaner or Bacchus are aged in stainless steel tanks, and offer drinking fun, play and excitement without starting the thought carousel. For sunny moments Tobias has a recommendation:
“Summer? Always with Silvaner! Why? Because it’s my favorite kind of cancer, it’s cool to eat, but it’s also fun to be alone. Our steel nail Silvaner is much cuddlier than the metal first name might suggest. Really refreshing, lively, slightly herbaceous, develops new aromas when drunk in several stages. My favorite to sit together with a bottle with friends. Everyone can enjoy it, especially beginners. A good mood wine without allures.”
Stahlnagel Silvaner trocken, Price: 8 Euro, via wirwinzer.de/stahlnagel-silvaner
Leone d’Almerita Tasca, Tenuta Regaleali (Italy)
Just because of the elegant label alone was the love of wine at first sight. And the heraldic animal reminds me of the porcelain blade in my parents’ house. Last name modification, pun and all. But pushing looks is not everything. It must also flow with character. Like my next favorite here. Fancy a vacation in Sicily?
Cataratto, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and Traminer grapes bring the “Leone” to life. The microclimate in which Tenuta Regaleali has been growing its wines for generations is atypical compared to the other wine growing areas in Sicily, which are mainly located along the coast. This usually ends with the wines inhaling a little bit of temperament. Which I can handle super. Also, because the Leone tends to make understatement. He doesn’t rub his crisp character traits of apple, almond blossom, white peach, pineapple, banana and pink grapefruit under everyone’s nose. If you are not looking for a One Wine Stand, Leone is the perfect choice.
Leone d’Almerita Terre Siciliane IGT 2017, Price: 11 Euro, via www.vinello.de/leone-dalmerita
Terre de San Leonardo, Italy
Talking about feelings as a man: It’s okay, it’s just not always easy. It’s good when you have an open date on your own initiative. And if it smells nice and makes me smile – jackpot. Leaving the cork in would be a really bad decision with this charming stud from the Italian province of Trentino. The Terre made of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Carmenère is the entry wine of the famous San Leonardo Winery (virtually the AC Milan among the estates). Fruity-elegant, without allures, when parting the thing reminds of slightly sour currant, and that for minutes. In short: a wine like a kiss that you don’t want to end.
Terre di San Leonardo IGT 2014, Tenuta San Leonardo, Price: 12,50 Euro, via www.belvini.de
Chianti Clasico, Weingut Riecine, Italy
Chianti Classico. Sounds tempting in itself. Unfortunately, many womanizers from the supermarket shelf lack sex appeal. Therefore, for certain occasions, one may turn to a high-quality companion. But you don’t have to spend a fortune. For not even 20 euros one is here. I have known the Riecine Winery for several years, and if you like elegance from Italy that is within reach, you should make a date. The Chianti increases his flirting skills in small barriques and in Tuscan oak barrels. A fragrance somewhere between fruit basket and really fine jam, light, casual, velvety. No red wine that kills, but already makes an announcement. More jumpsuit than evening dress, more picnic than stiff “3-star food-on-the-plate”. In short: really charming.
Chianti Classico DOCG 2015, Riecine, Price: 16,50 Euro, via www.superiore.de
Birds Rosé, Germany
Someone orders summer wine? The guys from Birds are already regulars in my wine charts – and the Rosé, which was created together with Mosel vintner Manuel Brixius, is the best summer soundtrack of the men’s wines up to 32 euros. Easy, unagitated: A cultivated pleasure in the truest sense. But I won’t make it to the beach in Mexico like the BIRDS guys with the bottle. Why does it even have an expiration date on it? Price: 10 Euro, via www.belvini.de
Rosé Secco, Weingut Reumann, Austria
Do you think this thing tickles better in your belly button than a certain beer? Good question, I haven’t tried it yet, the content was too good for that. It would also be a pity to waste this flirt kick starter from the Austrian Mittelburgenland for such games. I’ve already been able to visit the Josef and Maria Reumann winery myself, and I can only recommend the really fairly priced red wines for men’s evenings. Check out the Phoenix – bottle and flavour absolute world class. But for the challenge of date wines, which impress women, I would go for the Rosé Secco. It’s easy to drink as a relaxed aperitif, is semi-dry and tastes alternately of strawberry and blood orange during the prickle breaks. I gave the Secco to my mom as a present, which is then used for the first barbecue – even mothers can be impressed. But of course I drink a glass with her.
Rosé Secco, Weingut Reumann, Price: 8 Euro, via www.weingut-reumann.at
Chianti Rufina “I Domi”, Italy
Oh, girl. You can only fall in love with this Chianti head over heels. And will rethink your dates with Chiantis from the supermarket. The Chianti Rufina DOCG is the flagship of the I Veroni winery and makes a big deal about dating where it belongs: on the tongue. The red wine smells rather discreet, and after the first hello a decently entertaining ballet of aromas of plums, red berries, a little vanilla, a little currant – even tofu somehow survives. Simply a nice Tuscany vacation from the bottle, and with the fair price you can also cope with a single trip if necessary. Date wines that impress women do not have to be priceless.
I Veroni Chianti Rufina DOCG 2015, Price: 12,50 Euro, via www.belvini.de
H3 Horse Heaven Hills Merlot, Columbia Crest, USA
Self-praise in advance: Yes, the one in the painting is a horse. Great match, right? But honestly: The whole H3 Horse Heaven Hills line from Columbia Crest is a work of art. Who has the opportunity to try it: Washington State doesn’t only produce good football or baseball, the red wines are real announcements. For the evening with the wife, girlfriend or date I would go for Merlot. It’s like a limited, velvet-lined handbag, smelling of a mix of blackberry and chocolate. Sorry, but if that doesn’t trigger anything!
H3 Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2014, Columbia Crest, Price: 15,30 Euro, via www.belvini.de
Der Wilde “Silvaner”, Weingut Andi Weigand, Franconia
Passd scho, we like to say Franconia. In the case of Andi Weigand this fits twice, because his wines are a) outstanding (translated as passd scho in Franconian) and b) really always fit. A little hobby of my best friend and me: Out in the sunshine into the city, looking for a restaurant with a terrace, and tasting wine. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a location in my hometown that offers Weigand bottlings, but until that changes, we’ll just treat ourselves to date wines on the balcony. For Nina this time in her luggage: “The Wild Silvaner”. And you notice immediately: Someone is up for his craft, with mixed mass products his Scheurebe, Silvaner or Riesling have as much on his mind as Ed Hardy has with style. If you show your wild side, you can also do it classy without being pigeonholed. Yes and how does the dry thing taste now? For me like “God’s Plan” by Drake. Flow, varied, carefree, casual, dignified elegance between the lines and simply stays in your memory. A Feel Good wine at a Feel Good price. Good plan, right?
DER WILDE Silvaner trocken 2016, Weingut Weigand, Price: 9,90 Euro, via wirwinzer.de
Feudi di San Gregorio (Campania, Italien)
Wine is always a bit like dating: you already have your own special type somewhere. Now the winery Feudi di San Gregorio from Sorbo Serpico, east of Naples, has many different types in its cellar, but they all have the same personality. That’s why it was a direct fall in love. And I can only recommend the estate’s wines to every fan of Italy. Or those who want to become one. Keyword Love: the Visione Rosé is a rosé to snuggle in.
You know the aromas of raspberry, strawberry and cherry in a rosé. But this one, made from the Aglianico grape variety, wraps up the taste afterwards in a knitted blanket of Neapolitan temperament, without renouncing stylish handling. If you like dry but fruity rosés, you should try this one. And the best thing is that you can make a sweet flower vase from the elegantly fluted bottle afterwards. Drinking sustainably can be so beautiful!
Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico Visione Rosé, Price: 10,90 Euro, via www.italvinus.de/feudi-di-san-gregorio
Riesling “Charta”, Jakob Jung (Germany)
Correct: Winery favorite Jakob Jung is once again on the wine buying list. The labels alone are worth a design prize. And they got one for it. Why do the wines of the team around Alexander Jung impress me so much? Because everyone plays his trump card. None of the wines, whether red or white, is off the hook or invites you to play aroma bullshit bingo. All of them have that very own, “unpretentious-freshly-approachable-but-swaggy-elegant” personality. Only in each variety always differently interpreted. Whether Joker or Riesling-Ass – throw a wine from Alex on the table and you win. Anyone who likes slightly salty, juicy Riesling with a spirited acidity, for example, reaches for the Charta from Rheingau vines. First citrus fruits kiss the cheeks, then apricot goes into attack. A Riesling like a good date. Entertaining, honest, surprising, cuddly and with the desire to see again, sorry, re-drink. The card to happiness you have now. Cheers!
Jakob Jung Riesling Charta, Price: 12,90 Euro, via www.vicampo.de/jakob-jung
MARKUS SCHNEIDER, TOHUWABOHU 2013, GERMANY
Plant a tree, buy a custom-made suit, build a house: There are many things a man should have done in his life – drinking a wine from Markus Schneider is one of them for me. The heart on the tongue, always under power: The winemaker from Ellerstadt in the Palatinate relies on unusual grape varieties, minimalist design and idiosyncratic names – but no matter whether Kaitui, Mele Kalikimaka, Holy Moly or our Tohuwabohu – Champions League always comes in the glass. The elegant red wine is exciting like “House of Cards”, spoiled with aromas of blackberries, currants, black olives, tea and cherries. A jumble, so uncomplicatedly brought into line that one would like to applaud throughout – if I had one hand free. Refills come first, after all. A wine after which male friendships are made. Gentleman wines. Weingut Markus Schneider, TOHUWABOHU, Price: 19,50 Euro, via belvini.de
WEINGUT RINKE, 2015 LANGSURER BRÜDERBERG MUSCHELKALK GEMISCHTER SATZ, GERMANY
Your girlfriend likes dry white wines, but she doesn’t choose a grape variety, the main thing is: dry? Then pour her this secret tip from the southern wine Moselle. The career changers Alexander and Marion Rinke started there in 2006 with a small plot of land in Langsur, just before the Luxembourg border, and ten years later they already deliver real bottle announcements. The “Mixed Set” of Chardonnay and the Burgundy varieties Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Traminer and Muskateller is an uncomplicated summer wine, and perfect for a relaxed glass on a date. Tastes fresh, crisp and slightly (but wonderfully pleasant) sour of gooseberry and lychee, tickles subtly on the tongue. Plus a fair price-performance ratio – go for it! Weingut Rinke, 2015 Langsurer Brüderberg Muschelkalk Gemischter Satz QbA trocken, Price: 13,50 Euro, via wirwinzer.de
