Juicy Grauburgunder

Amid the volcanic soils of the Kaiserstuhl region, Weingut Kiefer in Eichstetten is a sizeable operation that not only owns 13 hectares of vines, but also vinifies grapes from some 94 hectares of wine cooperative land.

Weingut Kiefer, Eichstetter Herrenbuck Grauburgunder Kabinett trocken 2009, Baden
Sealed with a Stelvin screwtop. "Only" a Kabinett, yet this has 12.5% alcohol. Attractive yellow-straw appearance with cool red melon and apricot on the nose. More of the same on the palate, as well as spices and almond. A juicy mouthfeel and a pretty decent finish for a wine of this level.

Other grape varietals, such as Riesling and Scheurebe, take the accolades as far as compatibility with Pac-Rim cuisine is concerned. However, the more I taste Pinot Gris, the more I think it would be a match made in heaven for that type of food.