An evening with Nigel

"Nigel" is what Jenny called the wine, so I'll happy oblige.

Weingut Nigl, Riesling Senftenberger Piri 2008, Kremstal, Austria
I remember US wine critic Terry Theise once mentioning "Nigl's Privat", as it were, in one of his German wine catalogues. Senftenberger Piri is the vineyard in which Martin Nigl grows the grapes for his "Privat". This wine is from the same vineyard, hence the name, but is less vaunted than "Privat". Bought for me as a gift.

This needs time in the glass to unfold. Once it does, it opens up into a distinctly attractive herby, minerally nose. The palate continues this theme, also adding a certain zestiness from any one of lime, lemon, apple or peach (pick and choose as you see fit) and a lightness that belies the wine's 13% alcohol. A thoughtful, cerebral wine - and according to the kind soul who bought it and tasted it with me - good value for the price.