Graf von Schönborn Silvaner

Perhaps it’s just my yearning to be unique, but I really enjoy checking out wines that are atypical.  Let’s face it, it’s fun.  And it’s a great way to learn about different wines, as well as different regions.  After all, what’s atypical in a Cincinnati supermarket may be an everyday occurrence elsewhere, like Germany.

And that, I suspect, is the case with Silvaner.  It’s a wine that most of my friends have never heard of, but it’s pretty common in Germany.  This one from Graf von Schönborn comes from Franken area of Germany, which is really known for it’s Silvaner as it’s considered the most noble grape of the region.  It’s a productive grape in this region too.  Although it’s sensitive to frost, it is an early ripening variety and a good match for the climate in Franken.

The wines made from Silvaner are mostly known for their naturally high acidity.  And if you’ve been reading this site for long, you probably know that we love a wine with good, crisp acidity.

This wine has a rather simple but elegant nose.  The aromas are clean and refreshing with characteristics like pear, honeysuckle, melon and mineral.  The palate is equally elegant, featuring peach, melon and pear flavors.  It also has a nice salty aspect to it.  The acidity is spot on and the finish is quite long with salty peach flavors.

All told, this is a great example of a Silvaner and a reasonably-priced way to try something unique… well, unique if you don’t live in Franken.

Wine: Graf von Schönborn
Variety: Silvaner
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 12%
Rating: 88
Price: $16.00

Find Graf von Schönborn Silvaner with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.