Care to dive into some mold-infected wine? We did – and it tastes glorious.
But It Is A Noble Rot…
Care must be taken to avoid molds that can ruin a crop. There is one case in which winemakers pray for mold – botrytis cinerea.
The Friendly Fungus
Conditions must be just right for the botrytis, or noble rot, to occur. The botrytis dehydrates the grape, leaving a more concentrated sweet juice behind which is perfect for dessert wines.
In the Burgenland region of Austria, the abundance of humidity is naturally created by Lake Neusiedl and a countless number of smaller shallow lakes around the vineyards. The Muenzenrider family has been involved in winegrowing for generations. There 20 hectare estate includes a variety of grapes including Scheurebe, also known as Sämling 88 in Austria and Germany.
Your Assignment: Mold
I was able to find a 2004 vintage on clearance at Churchill’s. Luckily the high sugar content of the wine means the potential for aging is very long.
In the glass this TBA is a deep amber color with the wine being somewhat opaque. A wine like this certainly must be savored first with your nose to enjoy the bouquet of swirling sugary smells.
On the palate the wine is medium to full in body. It is very smooth and thick compared to a still wine. The high residual sugar is balanced by the natural acidity of the Sämling grape. The result is a pleasant flavor profile of dried fruit and honey with a nutty aspect. This may be a perfect wine to accompany pecan pie!
If you are seeking a rare, sweet treat an Austrian or German TBA may be just what you need. The cost is much lower than the celebrated French dessert wines and certainly more of a bargain than traditional ice wine. Unlike what may be in your refrigerator, this mold is quite tasty!
No comments:
Post a Comment