{With and without night vision – check out the moon}

Edition Maximus 2012 Pinot Noir Rheinhessen Germany $6.99

Available at Trader Joe’s 

I bought this Pinot not even knowing that it was German! Timely, as the German team just won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. I then decided to educate myself, only to discover that there is a long tradition of Pinot Noirs in Germany grown in the Baden, Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Württemberg wine regions where you will also find the more popularly imbibed Rieslings. These red wines are referred to as Spatburgunder. I was fortunate at the time to be tasting this wine with a guest who is a professor Emeritus in Philosophy and Religious Studies who had been a Fulbright Scholar in Berlin alas, she could not do the tasting due to a contraindication with her medications. Such is life, Schade. But we did have a long and winding discussion on wine and the degenerative impact on the soul albeit it is considered a sacred substance throughout the centuries of known history and world religions. We got much deeper than this wine. Luckily I had a Texan and a Rastafarian to help me drink the bottle and discuss the notes without moral encumbrance.

The nose was immediately grapefruit and hibiscus.  I immediately picked up the German style to making wine. This is not like any Pinot Noir I have ever had. Light, sugary and fruit forward. Much like their Reislings except with a little more body . If I was doing a blind tasting, I could tell it was a red wine, but would be very confused about it’s origin and varietal. The Texan said it was very barnyard – look up that term, I am not that familiar with it and was told it is a combination of earthy manure, wet hay, dirty socks – I fortunately did not pick that up.  The Rastafarian said it was very light, sugary and grapey. I was more aligned with the later description. If you are expecting a Pinot Noir, you will be surprised. However, I did find it refreshing and enjoyable. If served chilled it would be a nice compliment to an arugula and steak salad with a side of German potato salad.

Sadly, I don’t think I would buy this again unless I was in a peculiar mood, therefore, I’m giving it a drinkable +. If you are up for something different, go for it.

Stay curious!