Silvaner is a grape variety that we haven’t reviewed on Cheap Wine Ratings, until now.  It’s a variety that is grown primarily in Germany and the Alsatian region in France, which is one of my favorite regions for dry white wines.  This particular Silvaner is from Germany, which surprisingly is also a first on this site.  Yes indeed, of the hundreds of reviews posted here, this is the first from Germany.

This probably isn’t a grape variety for everyone, but then what one is?  Silvaner generally produces rather simple white wines, some may even call them bland.  But others think of Silvaner as a blank canvas for the expression of terroir.  In my opinion, while they can be simple, they are clean and acidic wines that I find pleasant and refreshing.  And some of them are actually downright interesting.

Castell has a long history with Silvaner.  In fact, they planted the first Silvaner vines in Germany way back in 1659.  They now produce a few different labels of Silvaner, and the Trocken is their entry-level with a price point of about $14.

As I went to taste this I reflected on the fact that it’s not uncommon for people to serve white wine too cold and won’t get the best of their wines as a result.  I was guilty of that when I first poured this one and it didn’t have much going on aroma-wise until I let it warm slightly.  Then It opened up to show butterscotch, apple & wet stones on the nose. The palate is mostly lime, apple and pear without a lot of concentration, but it’s good.  The finish is fairly short and shows some apple and some mineral.  This is a light, dry white that’s not terribly exciting, but a simple, pleasant sipper.  You’re best off enjoying this one with lighter foods.

Wine: Castell Trocken
Variety: Silvaner
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 12%
Rating: 85
Price: $13.99

Find Castell Trocken Silvaner with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.