WTN: Weekly Silvaner: Bürgerspital QbA 2010

2010 Bürgerspital Silvaner Qualitätswein Trocken –Franken, Germany 11,5% alc

I last tasted this in the spring during Asparagus season and found it to be a little disjointed with noticeable botrytis (I thought I posted a note, but can’t find it.)

What a difference eight months later. It has definitely put on some weight since the spring (Bürgerspital Silvaner tends to run full-bodied anyway) and the botrytis has retreated into the background –it is hardly noticeable beyond a little extra texture. The pear fruit isn’t as clearly defined as in years past, but the wine is still grapey and juicy and not lacking in capsicum and almond. The acidity is strong enough to have dealt with the very garlic-heavy Basque chicken that we had for dinner. Not a bad alternative to the Jurancon Sec or Irouleguy that I would have chosen had it been available in my neck of the woods. For a large (by German standards) winery, Bürgerspital makes a great range of wines, even at this modest price.

Cheers,
Bill

Hi Bill -

Thank you for the interesting note. I haven't seen a Bürgerspital wine in a few years, and have only ever had one myself (a very nice 1999 Absleite Silvaner Eiswein, which also remains the only half-bocksbeutel I have ever had). Anyway, I did read something recently - can't recall where - that Bürgerspital was back on the upswing in recent vintages. Based on your assessment, I certainly hope to try more from them in the future.

Hi Bill -

Thank you for the interesting note. I haven't seen a Bürgerspital wine in a few years, and have only ever had one myself (a very nice 1999 Absleite Silvaner Eiswein, which also remains the only half-bocksbeutel I have ever had). Anyway, I did read something recently - can't recall where - that Bürgerspital was back on the upswing in recent vintages. Based on your assessment, I certainly hope to try more from them in the future.

Hi Andrew,

My experience with Bürgerspital only stretches back to the 2003 vintage, but from then on, they have been among the best (perhaps not every wine) along with Horst Sauer, Hans Wirsching, Juliusspital, Schönborn, and Fürst to name a few. Riesling is very good here too and I've had also a tasty Blaufränkisch.

Cheers,
Bill