Schmitge's career changer dry

Kilian Schmitges took the detour: first a roofer, then a winemaker. His Quereinsteiger is the result of a six-year learning curve on the Moselle — and is long since no longer a beginner's wine.

The Schmitges winery manages sites on the Middle Moselle, known for slate-rich soils and the defining Moselle microclimate. The Quereinsteiger breaks with the house's Riesling tradition: a cuvée of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, two grape varieties that find aromatic ripeness on the lime-accented side sites of the region.

In the glass, it shows a light golden yellow. The nose opens with ripe pears, a hint of white peach, and mild nuttiness. On the palate, soft and accessible, with delicate melt and fresh, non-intrusive acidity — a wine that needs no waiting time.

• Food: Tarte flambée with crème fraîche, pasta in cream sauce, grilled chicken, or mild goat cheese
• Temperature: 10–12 °C