The Sylvaner
Grape
An alternative spelling for Silvaner, reflecting its French nomenclature, particularly in Alsace where it contributes to the region's diverse array of white wines. Sylvaner in Alsace produces wines that are more aromatic and fuller-bodied than their German counterparts, with a rich texture and flavors of ripe fruits and spices.
Sylvaner
Grape History
Sylvaner, also known as Gruner Silvaner or Johannisberg in Germany, is a white wine grape variety that has a long and esteemed history in the world of winemaking. It is believed to have originated in Austria or possibly the Alsace region of France, and is now grown in various wine regions around the world.
Historically, Sylvaner was a very popular grape variety in Germany, where it was often blended with other grape varieties to create high-quality wines. The grape’s name comes from the Latin word "silva," which means forest, possibly due to the grape's ability to thrive in wooded areas. In the Alsace region of France, Sylvaner was once one of the most widely planted grape varieties, particularly in the region's famous Grand Cru vineyards.
Sylvaner is known for producing wines that are crisp, light-bodied, and refreshing. These wines typically have a pale straw color and aromas of citrus, green apple, and floral notes. They are often described as having a slightly herbal or mineral character, with good acidity and a clean finish.
Sylvaner grapes are used to produce a range of wines, from dry and crisp to off-dry and slightly sweet. In Germany, Sylvaner is commonly used to produce dry wines in Franken and the Rheinhessen regions. In Alsace, Sylvaner is often blended with other grape varieties to create complex and aromatic wines.
While Sylvaner has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, there is still a dedicated following of producers who are working to preserve and promote this unique grape variety. Sylvaner has also been gaining recognition in regions outside of Europe, such as the United States and Australia, where winemakers are experimenting with the grape to create new and exciting wines.
Overall, the future of Sylvaner is promising, as more consumers are seeking out unique and lesser-known grape varieties. With its distinct characteristics and potential for producing quality wines, Sylvaner is sure to remain a valuable part of the wine world for years to come.
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