If you think this is a spooky name for an einzellage you
have not seen the label on the bottle. Imagine early 70's
colours and design with a drawn picture of a donkey in the
left corner. For those of you that don't know Flein it is a
village in Württemberg just south of Heilbronn. It is
regarded as one of the best places for growing riesling in
Württemberg. The cooperative of Flein-Talheim covers some
300 Ha. of vineyards. With about 50% riesling.
The wine started off quite muted. I was afraid it was dead.
The colour was golden and looked it quite old. It showed
some mushroom, naphtalene and loemon on the shy nose. In
the mouth it was off-dry and lemony with good and high
acids. With a couple of hours of airing the fruit showed a
lot more. A nice nose of chalky minerals. Hints of smoke,
coffee and floral high notes. Not at all like anything you
expect from a german riesling. Probably a bit too old and
needs drinking but an interesting experience. With the
chalkiness it could have been interesting to taste sekt
from these soils.
