Neiss Bockenheim Weissburgunder 2015

This is made by the Neiss family in the Pfalz region (yes, insert "they must be nice people" joke here, I know) where it's sunny and warm. Many of Germany's best dry wines come from this region, which is right across the border from Alsace in France. Axel Neiss has been in charge of the family domaine since 1997 and has been following sustainable farming practices and modernizing the winery since then.  

What does Weissburgunder/Pinot Blanc taste like? Well, I liken it to a sharper Chardonnay, or a more finely etched Pinot Gris. It doesn't have much in the way of overripe tropical fruit, and it's decidedly dry, with none of Pinot Gris' lingering sweetness. Pinot Blanc also has a vegetal, rootsy quality that reminds me of Grüner Veltliner sometimes, without the lentil greenness.

The point is, Pinot Blanc is an excellent, versatile food wine that I keep coming back to time and time again, and this Neiss is a beautiful example of it. It's textural without being cloying, and bright without being thin. This has notes of green apple, spring herbs, fresh rain, and smoked white carrots. Elevated acidity and a very mouth-filling, present texture.

Pair this with fresh green or white asparagus, poached egg dishes, anything at the Easter table like quiche or ham, and any white fish.