CORKSCREW
German Recognition
Gerhard Hamburg, an adorably charming, heavy-accented gent called me up awhile ago to tell me he enjoyed my column on wines from his motherland. After being bowled over by the compliment, I asked him to send me his recommendations for other German producers of note. Here are his thoughts:
I congratulate you on having mentioned how good German wines are, and enjoyed speaking with you. I herewith give you a few tips about good wine: Schloss Johannisberg, Fuerst von Metternich Rotlack [Kabinett level with a red seal] and Gelblack [Qualitatswein with yellow seal], as well the wines of the Estate Matuschka-Greiffenclau. They are all very high-class wines, both dry and a half dry. A lot of wines come from [the regions of] Kiedrich, Martinsthal, and obviously Ruedesheim in the Rheingau district. In the Rheinhessen district near my hometown Mainz, there are excellent wines. For example, Anheuser wines from Bad Muenster — relatives of Anheuser Busch of St. Louis. The founders of that brewery are still in the wine business. There are also excellent Nahe wines, but too many to mention in a short e-mail.
Lots of people wrote asking where to find a good selection of German wines. As with any consumer good, demand creates supply, so go to your favorite wine retailer and ask them to stock more, or order some for you. If they realize that people are craving more German juice, they'll start making it available.
Lovin' the Spanish
Michael of Atlanta gushed: I couldn't agree more [with your column on Spain]! I was just [in Barcelona] in January. Had a spectacular trip, great food, great wine, great people! Especially enjoyed the Mercado la Boqueria … amazing.
Cheap Bubbles
Jim from Atlanta pondered: Thanks for your continuing insightful and educational column on wines. I may not always agree with you, but I learn about some great wines and your evaluations are always consistent. Sometime please do a column on champagnes in the under-$30 range. That has been a challenge for me to find some good ones, with no success; should be an interesting challenge for you. Expect some very bad tastes!!
Inexpensive sparkling wines are easy to uncover outside of France, like Italy's Prosecco or Spain's Cava. Try Mionetto or Segura Viudas. They often retail for under $12. California also produces damn fine sparkling wine as well. But exceptional under-$30 French Champagne can be challenging. Look for an in-depth column during the summer months.
Wine Recommendations
Mettler 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi
Like a sophisticated, high-heeled woman in a bar; elegant, smoky and forward. Dark red fruit explodes and holds tight for a long, smooth finish. $22. 
Villa Mount Eden 2000 California Pinot Noir
Delicious, inexpensive California Pinot. Juicy raspberry, strawberry and ripe cherry go down so easy, you could sip this one all day long. $10.
R-B-J 2001 Vox Populi Barossa Valley
Yummy, yummy and approachable for everyone. I'd call it relaxed, cherry-infused drinking. One-hundred percent grenache grape from Australia, the same one in France's famed Chateauneuf du Pape. $10. 1/2
Have a wine question or comment? Contact Wine Editor Taylor Eason at 813-248-8888, ext. 162, or e-mail corkscrew@creativeloafing.com.
The Wine List
Got an upcoming or ongoing wine event? Send information to: The Wine List, 1310 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605, fax 813.248.9999 or e-mail winestuff@weeklyplanet.com.
SEAFOOD AND WINE TASTING
Chef Gui leads a culinary demonstration at The Reef fresh seafood market. Wines from Bordeaux and Spain will be featured. $25 per person. 6 p.m. Thurs., April 29. The Reef, 17811 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores (727-736-1400). R.S.V.P. requested.
A GOLD MEDAL EVENING WINE DINNER
Executive Chef James Allen Graham has put together a gold medal menu paired with great wines. Highlights include Duck with Shiitake Truffle Flan with R.H. Phillips EXP Syrah, and Veal and Foie Gras Napolean with Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel. $60 per person plus tax and gratuity. 6:30 p.m. Thurs., April 29. Clancy's Steak House, 2525 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater (727-725-2692).
AMERICAN SPIRITS WINE TASTINGS
American Spirits hosts free wine tastings every Thursday and Friday. American Spirits, 280 Third St. S., St. Petersburg (727-895-8700).
This article appears in Apr 29 – May 5, 2004.