Blue Nun (Germany) Winemaker’s Passion Riesling 2006
Now Blue Nun is not a name associated with any serious quality in German wine-making, so when a Blue Nun wine called ‘Winemaker’s Passion’ hit UK shelves, and earned a commendation in the Decanter Wine Awards, it was worth investigating. This flagship wine from the Blue Nun stable is the project of winemaker Ursula Lieser, and uses Riesling grapes from the steep sloping vineyards of a single estate in the Mosel Valley. The nose has an attractive peach blossom and citrussy fruitiness, with a hint of minerality, but no overtly slaty or petrolly qualities. On the palate it is off-dry in a Kabinett style (though this wine is only a QbA), with some delicate tropical and ripe, pear and nectarine fruit, and a nice core of lemony acidity. It has good texture and a hint of honeyed weight, but stays quite crisp into the finish despite relatively low acidity. This wine needs a touch more acidity and zing to really stand out, but it is a good Riesling, and it would be nice to see the popular Blue Nun brand introduce people to the Riesling grape, and maybe even win some new fans. 5.99, Morrisons.
