2016 Andi Knauss Weiss

Region: Württemberg-Remstal < Germany
Grapes: Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; limestone and keuper (a limestone derivative) soils, 300 – 400m elevation; minimal sulfur added
Winemaker: Andi Knauss

Swabia’s (the name for this region in Southern Germany) Andi Knauss says that for him, low-tech winemaking is the key. Which makes sense, if you remember his “Without All” bottling that we worked with last year, which was not only completely additive- and sulfur-free, it was also label-free, his statement about this truly naked wine. Not all of Andi’s wines are zero-zero, but they’re all super low-intervention yet clean as a whistle (no barnyard or dirty socks here). The Weiss is a blend of three aromatic grape varieties, totally dry with floral, white peach and apple-y notes, and a sweet-tart lemony finish that reminds me of those old-school lemon drop candies, way more tart than sweet. It goes down easy, easy like Saturday afternoon, light and fresh yet interesting enough to keep you going back for more.