The 'On the QT' range from Waitrose is one of the most intriguing selections available in our supermarkets. Meaning 'On the Quiet' 🤫, these are limited-edition wines (the small number of bottles released is written on the label) with back stories that represent how unusual, experimental or rare they are. Prices vary, but this month I've chosen an absolute steal as February's Tipple of the Month, perfect for Valentine's Day. Even without the current discount, Gunderloch On The QT Bin 34 Hawaiian Reserve Riesling is still fantastic value!
Rheinhessen is Germany's largest wine region with nearly 27,500 hectares under vine and over 400 individual vineyards. It's bordered by the river Rhine in the North and East, the Nahe river to the west and the Haardt mountain range in the south. The wine region is also known as 'the land of a thousand hills', due to the valley of gentle rolling hills in which it's located. Around three-quarters of production in Rheinhessen is white wine with Riesling (19.4%) and Müller-Thurgau (14.3%) leading the way.
The climate is mild, protected by the surrounding forests and hills, and the soil type is varied. Some of the best wines, particularly Riesling, come from the Roter Hang (red slope), the steep, south or east-facing sites, characterised by red, iron-rich, clay, slate and sandstone soil, called Rotliegendes, close to the Rhine. Here the river has a moderating effect on temperature, as well as reflecting sunlight back on to the vines, while the soil is rich in minerals.
One of the most famous estates is Weingut Gunderloch, founded in 1890 and now managed by the sixth generation of the family. They have 28 hectares of vines, which include three Grosse Lagen (Grand Cru sites) on the red slopes of Rothenberg, Pettenthal and Hipping.
Gunderloch 'On The QT' Bin 34 Hawaiian Reserve Riesling 2018 comes from vines with an average age of 50-years old. It spent 12 hours macerating on its skins.
💷 This wine is currently on offer at Waitrose Cellar for £13.99 until 11th February, after which it reverts to its regular price of £17.99.
🍇 Grapes: 100% Riesling from VDP Grosse Lage Hipping.
🎚️ ABV: 9.5%.
🍬 Residual Sugar: 45g/L.
🧬 Total Acidity: 7g/L.
🔍 Colour: Pale straw with a slight tinge of green.👃 Nose: Aromatic with lemon, lime, pineapple and apricot notes.
😋 Palate: Medium-dry in style with notes of juicy pineapple chunks and citrus, a hint of honey, fresh acidity and a palate-cleansing touch of tea leaves and minerality that carry through on to the finish.
🍽️ Food Pairings: Great for drinking chilled on its own, this wine makes a superb pairing for sweet and sour Asian dishes, particularly chicken or vegetable-based.
🎶 Music choice: Amado Mio by Pink Martini.
So if you're looking to sweeten up your Valentine's Day 💘 with a classy tipple, then this wine will set the perfect mood music. It's also great value, so what's not to like? Prost!
