Last week I reviewed an inexpensive Riesling bought at Whole Foods. I knew it was from Mosel and had a low alcohol level (9%), but I didn't know much more than that. Drinking that taught me a good lesson: avoid nondescript Riesling and favor those that list the residual sugar or at least give some kind of cue about its sweetness.

So you might be confused to find me posting yet another review of a nondescript German Riesling this week. This one was in fact bought before I had posted the other review, and if I had known I probably wouldn't have gone near it.

Yet I was pleasantly surprised. This wine was from Trader Joe's, not Whole Foods, and from the Rheingau, not Mosel. It's the 2007 Riesling Spätlese (late harvest) Riesling made under the Edition Maximilian label. The producer is Weingut Hans Lang--but note that their site is only available in German right now.

Label
"When late harvested German Riesling rapes are fully ripe, they yield an outstanding aroma unmatched in the world." Their website elaborates that the Riesling, and others in the "Gutsweine" category, are for "täglichen Genuss," or everyday enjoyment.

My Thoughts
Everyday enjoyment is exactly what this Riesling delivers. Unlike last week's Riesling, this had a little more acid-y zing to counteract the residual sweetness. The flavors were uncomplicated, but this isn't a celebration wine or one you'd serve with a big meal. Just an ordinary, weeknight kind of wine.

Stats

• Alcohol: 9%
• Residual Sugar: unknown
  
• Vintage: 2007
• Appellation: Rheingau
  
• Price: $8.99
  
• Rating: 6
  
• Value (Rating/Price): 0.67