INSIDER'S PICK: 2015 Dr. NAGLER RIESLING RHEINGAU TROCKEN $19.99

Hoping everyone in the Charlottesville area are safe and well this morning after the rain and flooding last night. Definitely not a day to casually travel around and taste wine for many people, hopefully tomorrow will clear out some. For those that ARE able to be out and about today, we thought it appropriate to have the word of the day be 'DRY'. Think dry thoughts, and drink dry Riesling, or 'Trocken' as the Germans will note on their labels. Many consumers still think all Riesling is sweet, and while the sweet versions are prevalent in the market  there is actually a great diversity in styles that Riesling can cover, perhaps better than any one grape variety. In fact, Trocken level Rieslings have less residual sugar than a very large percentage of Chardonnays that consumers think of as 'dry' and 'smooth', where much of the sense of sweetness is covered over by oak and/or buttery characteristics.

The full name of this wine (including town and vineyard site) is Dr. Nagler Rudesheimer Berg Rottland Steinkaut Trocken, but that would have made your browser blow up. But it is important to note that this is a single vineyard, single site wine, and is built with the desire to show a lot of distinct character. After flavors an initial puff of petrol aromas when first opened (very common in drier to off-dry Riesling) the nose develops lots of white stone fruits, pear skins, and even some honeycomb-like notes. To many, this may prime your palate for sweeter flavors and sensations on the first sip. Think again, as your mouth fills with racy heirloom apple tones and wet stones that linger for almost a minute on the long nervy finish. Deliciously food friendly with all sorts of poultry and savory dishes, even capable of handling creamier sauces, and above all a great DRY wine option,

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