Wine of the Week: 2022 Immel Biowein Weissburgunder Trocken

 It was one of those beautiful spring days, this spring Mother Nature isn't sure what season it is, so I had to take advantage of the nice weather. The sun was shining, the seagulls were loud, and my lettuce garden was practically begging for its first harvest. So naturally, lunch became a fresh garden salad and a bottle of wine pulled straight from the fridge: 2022 Immel Biowein Weissburgunder Trocken.

Now, before your eyes glaze over at the German label, let’s decode it together because German wines are not nearly as intimidating as they sometimes seem.

• Weissburgunder = Pinot Blanc
• Trocken = Dry
• Biowein = Organic Wine

So what you have here is a dry, organically grown Pinot Blanc from Germany. Simple, elegant, and as it turns out — absolutely delicious with a garden salad.

See, we already survived German wine terminology.

The winery itself has a fascinating history. The Immel family’s roots in the Rhine region stretch back more than 700 years. Their story includes everything from patricians in Worms to mayors in Oppenheim and wealthy landowners in Westhofen. It was in Westhofen — surrounded by the rolling chalky hills and some of the region’s most prized vineyards overlooking the Rhine River — where the Immel family settled and purchased land back in 1754. You can feel that long connection to the land in the wine itself.

What sets Immel apart is their genuine commitment to certified organic viticulture, bearing the EU Bio seal. Organic farming isn't just a quality parameter — it's a promise to future generations. The young team is dedicated to preserving the green hills of Rheinhessen for generations to come.

Wine Details

• Wine: 2022 Immel Biowein Weissburgunder Trocken
• Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
• Grape: Weissburgunder
• Style: Dry White Wine
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, apricot, chalky minerality
• Perfect Pairing: Fresh salads, seafood, grilled chicken, spring afternoons, and gardening victories
• Price $16

If you’ve been hesitant to explore German wines beyond Riesling, let this be your sign. Pinot Blanc — or Weissburgunder — might just become your next warm-weather favorite.

Celebrate Earth Day with Veramonte Organic Wines

As Earth Day approaches it’s time for us to recognize the importance of the earth and what it gives us every day. Growing up, I didn’t think of anything about my surroundings and the impact we have on it, but I did know, not to swim in the Hudson because of the PCBs. I didn’t fully understand the effects of pollution of all kinds until I was an adult.

Fast forward to last year when the pandemic hit. All of a sudden there wasn’t as much traffic and the air quality improved, the sky bluer and you could hear nature more clearly.

Now let’s think about our soil. Each layer of soil contributes nutrients to the grass, flowers and vegetables you grow. It is reflected in what you eat and the beauty of the landscape you look at each day. It is so important to watch what we put into our earth.

Growing grapes is hard and growing organic grapes even harder but many wineries are opting for organic methods. It is better for the environment and we have to take care of the environment, just like we care for our children.

In celebration of Earth Day I am celebrating with Veramonte and applaud them for what they are doing to save the environment. Veramonte is located in the Casablanca Valley of Chile. They follow organic and biodynamic practices to ensure the best conditions for their vines to develop. The vines truly reflect the soil they are grown in.

What are some of the characteristics of an organic vineyard? Well, the soil is healthy. Many times the animals and insects that occupied the soil before humans began messing with it return. As the vine develops it is aided by all the natural agents of the environment.

Veramonte banned the use of pesticides to protect and care for the ecosystem. By eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides the earth is more nourished, the soil regenerates itself, is healthy and reflects the true terroir in the grapes and wine. They incorporated the use of animals in the vineyard. They fertilize the land, mow the grass and aerate the soil with their hooves as they walk through the vineyard.

Veramonte Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2020 SRP $11.99 - This wine says summer in your glass all the way. Light straw in color with aromas of lime zest and white citrus lead to a palate of juicy grapefruit and white peach

Veramonte Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $11.99 - This Cabernet spent 8 months in neutral oak. The wine really expresses the terroir it’s grown in. Slight balsamic notes on the nose with red and black fruit and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine was smooth with mouth-watering tannins, a mix of red and black fruit and a touch of herbs.

Thank you to Donna White Communications and Gonzalez Byass for providing me with samples of this wine.

Mionetto's Prosecco With Organically Grown Grapes

Even though the new year as come and we are well into, doesn't mean you don't uncork a bubbly.

Mionetto's Prosecco D.o.c Treviso is made with certified organically grown grapes.  What does that mean?  It means in the vineyard, the grapes are grown without synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. The grapes are processed separately to ensure their purity.

Prosecco is made with the Glera grape.  This bottle clocked in at 11% alcohol.

It had nice aromas coming from the glass of elderflowers and a hint of breadiness.  On the palate there was lots of green apple.

The wine is priced around $14.  It will brighten up any day.