Roterfaden Co-op Terraces White 2021

peeled green apple, lemon zest, fresh fennel bulb, flint, and white pepper

Hannes and Olympia produce red wines almost exclusively, so by collaborating with the village co-op they are able to work with a number of local white varieties. In Württemberg, as in other parts of Germany, Riesling is still cultivated and typically done in a dry style. However, local favorites also include Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), which achieves a rare intensity grown on the region’s volcanic soils, and Kerner, a weather-resistant crossing of Riesling and Trollinger. This particular bottling is composed of equal parts Riesling and Pinot Blanc, with a small amount of Kerner added for body and aromatic complexity. The fruit is fermented in the cellars of the village co-op, where the three varieties are blended together and matured in stainless steel for a few months before bottling.

When you open this wine, you will want to serve it chilled, but not ice cold, around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, this wine will benefit from a splash in the decanter, which will bring out some unique aromatics. Once this wine has some time to open up, it delivers notes of peeled green apple, lemon zest, fresh fennel bulb, flint, and white pepper. Drink now through 2025 with potato dumplings, chicken lo mein, or salads with grilled fish.