wUst Fine Wine Imports
wines U should try!
Jochen Clemens
My nickname for Jochen Clemens is "the Alchemist" from the magic he creates out of his small batch fermenters that produce some of the most fully flavored Mosel wines that I have ever tasted. With vineyards in the prime central Mosel area between Bernkastel and Piesport, Jochen's vineyards also have their own very attractive characteristics as well.
During the afternoon of my first visit, the winery also was having an "open house" in their courtyard and patio areas that included extensive food pairings along with every wine being served (over 25 wines!). Initially, when looking at the menu, the food pairings seemed a bit random and maybe even a bit odd but as you will see in my tasting notes below, these wines are incredibly versatile and every food pairing at the open house was actually perfect. Out of all of those wines, which were all well made, I have made an initial selection of five of his wines to introduce an interesting range displaying Jochen's very talented and inspired wine making skills.
Jochen tempting fate on his customized tractor
A side view of the vineyards showing the steep slopes
Jochen working down the vineyard slope. Note the cable running downhill attached to the back of the tractor for safety.
Small batch fermentation tanks for producing very concentrated flavors
The Wines
Riesling QbA Trocken 2017 (NF)
This is an incredibly refreshing and really beautiful wine. Initial aromas are of honey and white flowers which then evolve into flavors of apples and white peaches along with hints of lemon and coconut. There is perfect acidity and balance along with a very satisfying medium to full mouthfeel.
Food pairings are both extensive and very broad. My ideas included shrimp, scallops, sole, crab, halibut, sea bass, lobster bisque, veal chops, roast pork, pork tenderloin, grilled and baked chicken, salads, grilled vegetables, cream soups, quiche Lorraine, vegetable stir fry, Indian Tandoori dishes, Asian noodles, and a variety of hard and rich cheeses.
Dhron Hoffberger Riesling Spatlese Fruchtsusse 2016 (NF)
Initial aromas are of camellias, white flowers, honeysuckle, jasmine,and honey but I also noted hints of the aromas of a rich fruit compote. Flavors inlcude honeydew melon, pineapple, cantaloupe, cherries, and white peaches. There is a rich lush mouthfeel but also very refreshing with perfect balance and acidity. Although the Clemens wines chosen all are medium to full bodied, this wine also has the qualities of "dancing across your tongue" that I have mentioned for some of the other wines. The additional sweetness of this "Fruchtsusse" also then makes it seem like you are drinking a delightfully honeyed nectar.
The complex and concentrated flavors of the Clemens wines also continue to result in interesting and broad food pairings. My ideas for this Spatlese are pork tenderloin, grilled pork, wild boar, veal chops, grilled chicken, shrimp, scallops, tuna, clams, mussels, pasta with cream sauces, vegetable casseroles, Asian pork, chicken, seafood, noodle, and vegetable dishes, creamy yellow curries and paneer dishes, Mexican pork, chicken, and seafood dishes, pork and chicken enchiladas, pork verde, chile relleno, tostadas, green salads, and rich, creamy, and hard cheeses.
