As a wine lover, I was very excited to be invited to the Generation Riesling tour stopping in Montreal at Hambar and organized by the German Wine Institute/Mainz. This great project showcases the ambitious younger generation assuming responsibility within the German wine industry, be it as wine-grower, managing director or winemaker at an estate, or at a cooperative or commercial winery. The age limit is 35.
For this year’s edition, Nadine Poss, Germany’s current wine queen and Véronique Rivest guided us through 10 amazing wines. To survive this lunch, Hambar put together a 3-course service of Albacore Tuna, Spanish Chicken and Peach Panna Cotta.
It was my first time trying Hambar, located on McGill and replacing Cube (remember that place? so good!). The restaurant itself is lovely and I didn’t know that they have a second level which is perfect for private events. However, most of the food was a complete miss. The appetizer was too salty and the main course was underseasoned. I did enjoy the Panna Cotta which was very refreshing and fun with the peach touch.
As for the wines:
Riesling Fritz Müller My opinion: Loved it! It’s light and mineral. Wine geek: Simple gazeifation. Fun fact: Named Fritz Müller only because it sounds German. Not available at the SAQ.
Riesling Weingut Heitlinger Shiny River My opinion: Fresh and dry! It was my favorite Riesling. Not available at the SAQ.
Riesling Cliffhanger Mosel My opinion: I enjoyed it more at room temperature than very cold. Wine geek: 18g of sugar. Fun fact: This wine is produced by a young group to watch out for in the future!
Riesling Trocken Qba Winzerverein Ruppertsberg My opinion: I enjoyed it but it was my least favorite. It’s a very complex riesling with spicy notes and it’s on the dry side. Once again, enjoyed it more at room temperature. Wine geek: Produced in the south of Germany. Not available at the SAQ.
Riesling Fritz Müller My opinion: Loved it! It’s light and mineral. Wine geek: Simple gasification. Fun fact: Named Fritz Müller only because it sounds German. Not available at the SAQ.
Riesling 50° G.H. von Mumm / Rheingau My opinion: Very fruity and acidic at the same time. Wine geek: Simple gazeifation. Fun fact: Named 50° because of where it’s located. People wouldn’t think you can actually make wine there. Not available at the SAQ.
Pinot Gris Meyer-Näkel & Klumpp Grauburgunder Hand in Hand My opinion: Very refreshing and the perfect mix of a dry and sweet wine. Fun fact: This wine is a collaboration explaining the Hand in Hand name. Not available at the SAQ.
Riesling Weingut Winter - Dittelsheimer Kalkstein 2012 My opinion: Pretty sweet. Not available at the SAQ.
Pinot Noir Weingut Ziereisen Tschuppen My opinion: Very earthy but not a fan. Not available at the SAQ.
Pinot Noir 2011 Weingut Friedrich Becker Spatburgunder Trocken My opinion: I could never tell it was a Pinot Noir. Not sure if that’s good or bad? Not available at the SAQ.
Riesling 2011 Weingut Friedrich Becker Spatburgunder Trocken My opinion: Loved it! Sweet and mineral! Wine geek: It’s a dessert Riesling! Not available at the SAQ.
And some more general fun facts about Germany and wines:
- Zekt means bubbly
- Germany has a lot of wine coops.
- Rieslings are often paired with Asian food but it wasn’t their initial purpose. This type of wine actually means to pair with anything, including German sausages!
- Germany is the 3rd producer in the world of Pinot Noir, right after the United States and France. The Pinot family in general is growing up quickly in Germany.
- Japan and China are very big German wine importers.
- Rieslings can grow very very old: 20 to 30 years. If you want to invest in wine, don’t forget about Riesling!
Thanks again to the German Wine Institute/Mainz for this great lunch, it was a pleasure to discover all these great wines and learn about the new generation in Germany.
Enjoy a glass of Riesling this summer!