People often ask me in my tastings what is my favourite wine.
I think I’d go for the Trockenbeerenauslese abbreviated as TBA. This delight is part of my German wine tasting. (https://catasdivertidas.com/nuestras-catas/vinos-blancos-alemanes/)
The word Trockenbeerenauslese has to be translated bit by bit into English. The word “trocken” in German means “dry,” “Beeren” are “berries,” and “Auslese” is “selection.” We are talking about a sweet wine pressed from overripe berries, normally from white grape varieties (Riesling, Scheurebe, Gewürztraminer, Gutedel etc.) which are affected by the so-called “noble rot” disease caused by the Botrytis cinerea fungus.
This type of mold creates small pores in the skin of the berry, causing water to evaporate very slowly, therefore concentrating the ingredients in the grapes. It is the type of wine with the highest ABV (Alcohol by volume). The grapes are picked individually and are wilted until they look like a raisin. These sweet berries have an intense flavor, with notes of caramel and honey, but despite the high level of sugar content, because of the fantastic acidity, their taste never becomes sickly. It is an ideal wine to pair with a very mature cheese, foie gras or a chocolate dessert.
The great drawback of this type of wine is its high price. This is firstly because since its production necessitates specific climatic conditions, this wine cannot be produced every year. Additionally, very little liquid is harvested from the the raisined berries. But on the upside, TBA has an extremely long life – even up to several decades – and is usually bottled in practical, small formats, such as 0.375 liter bottles which are quickly consumed once opened! I would drink this wine at around 12 to 14 degrees (though the vast majority of Spaniards will prefer it colder at between 8 and 12 degrees).
In our German wine tasting we also offer an “Eiswein” an “ice wine”. What is the difference between an Eiswein and a Trockenbeerenauslese? Eiswein is made from grapes that arrive frozen at the winery but are not affected by noble rot.
If you are interested in trying a TBA, attend one of the tastings or taste it at home for less than 20 euros per bottle (I can help you place the order). I promise you will love it.
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