When Is A Bloom A Nahe?

When I saw Bloom on the label, I just picked it off the supermarket shelf assuming it might be another wonderful wine from Bloom winery here in Washington. Upon further investigation, I discovered that this wine was in fact a "Nahe Qualitatswein" from Germany marketed by "Precepts," sort of a Washington state "negociant." While I was disappointed by this deception, I must say it is a brilliant marketing move since who today would buy a Nahe Qualitatswein. What is a Nahe (Nah-huh) Qualitatswein(Qwal-i-tots -vine) anyway. Germany, like France has an elaborate wine classification system based on location, rather than grape varietal as is so commonly the case in the U.S. Qaulitatswein is the lowest level of classified wine, so why put it on the front label. Nahe is a truly obscure region in Germany overshadowed by the Rheingau and Mosel river appellations which it intersects at Bingen.

What is this German Pinot Gris like? Not like any Oregon Pinot Gris or Italian Pinot Grigio I've ever tasted. In fact, it most resembles a German Riesling. A very flowery nose leads to a wine tasting of peaches, apricots and pears. This wine is very fruity , but dry and slightly tart in the finish reminding of a Sauvignon Blanc. Sort of a cross between a Riesling and a Sauvignon Blanc. At only 12% alcohol it is light and sprightly - a good summer wine at only $8. Perfect as an aperitif or with fruit and cheese. Personally, I wouldn't drink this with a main course, but it would be delightful on the deck with fruit and cheese.