Staycation's All I Ever Wanted (And German Wine)
Hi friends! I hope this *blog post* finds you well. Ha, kidding, of course — is anyone else very over this email greeting or is it just me? Sometimes I wake up and truly feel like I am living in an alternate universe, or I receive an email that reminds me just how odd 2020 has been, and I know I’m not alone in feeling very frustrated by that. I have been actively working on doing my best to find joy in the little things, and to treat myself when my soul and body are in need of some self-care. Wines of Germany has been pivotal in bringing me joy lately, and I think they’ll bring you joy, too!
German wines are regarded as some of the most food-friendly wines in the world — who knew?
Because Germany is one of the most northerly viticulture areas of the world, they number among the “cool climate” wine growing countries. Their wines usually have a higher acidity (due to the cooler temps!) which makes them light, refreshing, and mouth-watering for food pairing. I brought two bottles of German wine on a little staycation with Chels — a bottle of 2016 Peter Jakob Kühn Riesling Sekt and a bottle of 2019 Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz Spätburgunder Rosé.
Germany’s wine grapes are especially suited for production of sparkling wine, or “Sekt” in German, so when I tell you this Sparkling Riesling was NEXT LEVEL good, I am not kidding. The Rosé made from Pinot Noir grapes (called “Spätburgunder” in Germany) was also perfectly subtle and fruity with a touch of minerality that Chels and I both loved. Both of these wines are on the drier side, so we paired them with some yummy Mexican food from one of my Austin faves, Joann’s Fine Foods, in our pretty room!
I love this iconic Austin spot so much, and as a local Austinite have developed such an attachment to this cute motel. The hotel came to be in May of 1888, when Leonard and Frances Eck, immigrants from Germany, bought the land that now comprises the Austin Motel. The property was initially a general merchandise store that had a pawn shop, sold jewelry, produce, and home goods. Upon Mr. Eck's passing in1925, his daughter, Jennie Eck Stewart inherited the property and built the Austin Motel which opened its doors in 1938 and has never closed them since.
Germany’s total vineyard area is divided into 13 distinct wine regions, concentrated in the southern and southwest part of the country. About 64% of wine production in Germany is dry (or “Trocken”). Though Germany grows hundreds of wine grape varieties, the most widely available wines are made from Riesling, Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder), Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), Müller-Thurgau, and Silvaner.
It’s been so fun to learn more and more about the wines that I enjoy drinking — there’s something so fun about knowing all about the wines you are purchasing and consuming (I almost think it makes them taste better!) German wines are food-friendly and truly so perfect for every day, year-round drinking, and feel so approachable for everyone.
For more information on German wines, check out the German Wine USA website for tons of information on Germany’s 13 wine regions, food pairing ideas, and all of the fun facts.
As a little holiday treat, all German wines are 10% off on Wine.com when you buy six or more through December 31st with the code GERMANY10. Snag you and your loved ones some wine this season, and make sure it’s German — you won’t regret it.
This post is sponsored by Wines of Germany. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of Wines of Germany.