The Sämling
Grape
Also known as Scheurebe, Sämling is a white grape variety created in Germany, a cross between Riesling and Bukettrebe. It produces aromatic wines with high acidity, showcasing flavors of black currant, grapefruit, and sometimes exotic fruits, with potential for both dry and sweet wines.
Sämling
Grape History
Sämling is a white wine grape variety that originated in Austria. It is also known as Scheurebe in Germany. The grape is a cross between Riesling and Bukettraube, created by Dr. Georg Scheu in 1916. Sämling/Scheurebe is primarily grown in Germany and Austria but can also be found in small plantings in other wine-producing regions around the world.
The name "Sämling" means "seedling" in German, a reference to the fact that it was created through cross-pollination. The grape is known for its aromatic profile, often displaying notes of black currant, grapefruit, and spice. Sämling is typically used to produce aromatic white wines, ranging from dry to sweet styles, often with a pronounced acidity and a unique aromatic complexity.
Sämling is particularly well-suited to cool-climate regions, where it can fully develop its aromas and acidity. In Germany, it is primarily planted in the regions of Rheinhessen, Pfalz, and Nahe, while in Austria, it can be found in areas such as the Kamptal and Kremstal regions. Sämling is also grown in small quantities in countries such as New Zealand, Hungary, and the United States.
The grape's unique aromatic profile and crisp acidity make it a versatile variety in winemaking. It is often used to produce single-varietal wines, showcasing the grape's distinctive character. Sämling is also commonly used in blends to add aromatic complexity and freshness to the final wine.
As for the future of Sämling, the grape's popularity has been on the rise in recent years, as consumers seek out more diverse and unique wine offerings. The aromatic profile and versatility of Sämling make it an attractive option for both winemakers and wine lovers looking for something different. With a growing interest in lesser-known grape varieties, Sämling is poised to continue gaining recognition and appreciation among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel