Florian Lauer is making waves in the Saar and has quickly developed a cult following for his delicious and precise wines. Barrel X is Lauer’s platonic ideal of what a Saar Riesling should be. Just off-dry at 16 g/L rs, the fruit is sourced from multiple vineyards in four different villages of the Saar: Ayl (Lauer’s home village), Saarburg, Wawern and Wiltingen. Florian says, “From Ayl and Wawern, the wine gains the fruit and power, from Saarburg the racy acidity, and from Wiltingen, the spice.”

Lightly hay-yellow-colored and opening with a reductive nose full of wet stone and creamy passion fruit. Lively on the palate, with minerality that is more juicy than crunchy, and a long spice-laden finish. This is always a thrilling, off-dry wine, and great value!

Pairing: Sesame chicken, baked cod with cumin spice

Grape: Riesling 

Soil: Grey and blue slate 

Farming Practices: Sustainable, practicing organic