A German Riesling and an Alsace Gewurtz

My in-laws are visiting, so that means a few more empties in the recycling bin. Fortunately, it means the serious overstock situation in my cellar is being reduced at a healthy rate (you can cancel the flight, Edward). Tonight we worked through some cool-climate whites, enjoying the endless summer here in Montreal and clearing the cellar floor of a few more bottles.

Germany seems to be taking a new stab at lower-priced dry whites, so I bought the 2005 Essence Riesling by S. A. Prüm to see what a well-know German maker could do at this price point. A white (Qualitätswein) from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, it was a pretty pale gold in the glass. Honey and lemon on the nose, with classic tar/fuel notes, there was no mistaking the varietal. Dry, but not bone dry, on the palate it was rich with honey, very smooth and very well balanced. Simple, but this went down oh so easily. A great recommendation from the staff at the downtown SAQ shop on Metcalfe, a great pairing, and a Great Value! Screw top.
11.5% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: $15.45 (SAQ)

We followed this crowd-pleasing white with an Alsace Gewurtz. I love Alsace whites - gewurtztraminer, riesling, pinot gris, and muscat, dry and off dry, so many great ways to pair these. In addition, these wines feature consistent quality and (generally) reasonable prices. White gold in the glass, the 2004 Lucien Albrecht Gewurtztraminer Bollenberg displayed a powerful and extreme floral nose. Like stepping into a parfumerie, it smelled of rosewater and white flowers, but it was very difficult to discern anythinge else, save some very subtle lychee, quince and melon. On the palate it was dry, nearly off-dry, with thick and rich soapy floral flavours and very little acidity. So smooth, so fragrant, so...effeminate? A beautiful wine, but a difficult pairing. Cork closure.
12.6% alcohol
Score: 17/20
Price: C$25.35 (SAQ)

Overall, the Essence paired very nicely with grilled sausages, but the Albrecht Gewurtz was a better after dinner sipper.