I assure you that I'm getting to it. We tasted a lot of great wine on that visit, and one in particular that I really enjoy this time of year. It is a Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the Baden region of western Germany near the Black Forest . To be more precise, it is produced by the Viticultural Cooperative in the Affental district of the city of Bühl , approximately 10 km south of Baden-Baden . It is a semi-sweet light red wine named Affentaler Spätburgunder Rotwein, affectionately called Red Monkey.
Spätburgunder or Pinot Noir can trace its history in the Affental back to around 1250 when the grape was first cultivated by the Cistercians, sometimes referred to as the White Monks, due to the color of their habit. The valley was the site for a pilgrimage chapel where the nuns were known for singing "Ave Maria" as they worked. Therefore, the valley became known as Ave Tal ( Ave Valley ) and over the centuries has evolved into Affental, which translated means Valley of the Monkeys.
The Affental Viticultural Cooperative, which was formed in 1908, began embossing a monkey on their bottles of Riesling and Spätburgunder wines in 1949 and contracted with the nuns at the convent on the site of the original chapel to hand-paint the monkeys on the bottles. The Riesling is referred to as the White Monkey and the Spätburgunder as the Red Monkey.
The Red Monkey has delicious aromas of ripe cherries and hints of vanilla with flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and herbs. It is best served chilled and is an ideal picnic and summertime wine. Try a bottle paired with bratwurst, roasted pork, or Chicken Breast Rudi . Of course, it is simply delicious by itself. This is one monkey you won't want to get off your back! Red Monkey retails for around $14 and change at Spec's . Although, you can cellar this wine, it is ready to drink now. If you missed the Light & Bright wine tasting in Houston last month, you missed a GREAT time, GREAT food, and GREAT wine. Just ask anyone that was there, or look at the pictures on the tasting link. Believe me, you won't want to miss out on the California Dreamin' wine tasting on Saturday, May 17, 2008, in the Cedar Park/North Austin area. It will feature some special California wines paired with scrumptious hors d'oeuvres by renowned Executive Chef Glen Ward. Also, the first person among those in attendance at the California Dreamin' tasting that correctly identifies the location of the "Test your knowledge" question on the Photo Album link on my website will win a special prize. So, make plans to attend and come with your best answer. Until next month, Cheers! 
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