Nachschlag 'Bright Side of Life' 2024

If you're into Kiwi Sauvignon but fancy branching out a bit, this lively German white could be just the thing. Scheurebe might not be on your radar yet, but it thrives in the lime-rich soils of Franconia - and under Christian Stahl's watchful eye it's been blended here with Sauvignon Blanc and a splash of Riesling to rather lovely effect. It's bright, mineral, and packed with heady aromatics. There's a nod to that classic nettly, grassy edge you get from Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, but it's a bit more delicate, a bit more refined. Light on its feet and very easy to like.

Fresh Thai herb salad, Vietnamese summer rolls, or grilled lemongrass chicken are all good pairings - the wine's light and easy style suits vibrant flavours - but it's also perfect on its own.

Christian Stahl is not a man to shy away from the spotlight. As both head winemaker and chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant on his estate, he's built something of a cult following in his corner of Bavaria - and not without reason. In the twenty-odd years since founding Winzerhof Stahl, he's given the traditional Franconian wine scene a well-needed shake. Gone is the stuffy conservatism; in its place, a bold, creative, slightly rebellious approach that's turning heads far beyond Germany. Riesling may dominate in much of the rest of the country, but here in Franconia it's the likes of Silvaner and Scheurebe that come to the fore - and with brilliant results. These are wines with a bit of edge, a lot of energy, and no shortage of personality. If you're ever doing a bit of wine tourism in northern Bavaria, make sure Stahl is high on your list.