MARCH 2005 – Palm Bay Imports is proud to introduce Blue Fish, a new and decidedly contemporary-style Riesling from the vineyards of Niederkirchen in the Deidesheimer Hofstück appellation of Germany’s Pfalz region. Also known as the German Palatinate, Pfalz lies due west of the Rhine and extends as far south as the German border with France and the famed French wine region of Alsace.

Blue Fish Riesling, which debuts with the 2004 vintage, is a striking new initiative from the enterprising growers of Niederkirchen, who first banded together to start bottling and selling their wines little more than 100 years ago. Today 466 families, accounting for almost every second family in the village of Niederkirchen, participate in this venture, of which Blue Fish is the latest creation.

Blue Fish celebrates Riesling, Germany’s most noble grape. Of almost 1,000 acres of vines farmed by Niederkirchen growers, 62% is dedicated to Riesling. High standards are evident at all stages of the winemaking process, from impeccably maintained vineyards to Niederkirchen’s showcase winery and cellars set amid attractively landscaped grounds.

Careful crop thinning and green harvest are practiced by the growers of Niederkirchen, leading to heightened varietal aromas. In contrast to many other German Rieslings, Blue Fish undergoes malolactic fermentation, producing a wine of distinct smoothness. Residual sugar is a modest .5%, acidity less than 7%, and an alcohol level of 12.5% lends the wine structure and length – factors that represent a notable departure from popular German wines of the recent past and plant Blue Fish Riesling firmly in the 21st century.

To highlight the contemporary appeal of Blue Fish Riesling, the wine is presented in an eye-catching azure blue bottle decorated with festive yellow labels featuring the distinctive Blue Fish logo (above) – look carefully and the fish ingeniously transforms into the word “blue.” Appropriately, Blue Fish Riesling is sealed with a screw cap.