Wine: Eberbach-Schäfer Grauburgunder

This is an unusual wine for the Württemberg area in Germany. The Grauburgunder ("Grey Burgundy") grapes are commonly harvested in Baden, but hardly any are grown in Württemberg. The Eberbach-Schäfer website describes it as a speciality wine. The grapes are plucked early in the season to guarantee the wine isn't too sweet, and the wine is fermented in stainless steel vats.

It's a variation of the Pinot Grigio that's made in other countries, but it has a dryer taste. Like all dry wines, the first sip is a shock to the taste buds. It's not possible to recognise the wine's nuances until you continue.

The wine has a fine, fruity scent with aromas of pears, yellow plums, apples, grapefruit, almonds and cherry blossoms. On the palate it's full-bodied, fresh, juicy, fruity, spicy, earthy and elegant. It has finesse and a long after-taste.