2009 Spanier-Gillot ‚Grundstein‘ Silvaner –Rheinhessen, Germany 12,5% alc,
Many of the wine regions of Germany can rightly claim historical significance with the Silvaner vine. Franken is certainly the most noteworthy and home to the best examples, but Rheinhessen also takes much pride in the grape.
Rheinhessen Silvaner tends to run a little more broad and fruity than that of Franken (the exceptions being producers like Wagner-Stempel to the west and others who devote better vineyard land to it), but overall it is more plump and viscous without the strong mineral presence of those found on the Main River.
I would put this into that richer, pungently earthy category. Straw, wet clay, apple, apricot, sweat and butterscotch with a creaminess of texture. The wine was initially a little muddled and it took some air-time to get things in order, but I ended up liking it.
Cheers,
Bill