Volume 16, Unconventional Conversations
May 2023
Dear Readers,
Summer is about going places. Whether your travels involve a suitcase, a backpack, or a glass of wine and a journey in your own mind, TRINK Vol. 16 has you covered with eight stories of far-flung people and places.
Germany’s newest destination for vinous vacationing features in “Wish You Were Here!,” an exploration of Bayerischer Bodensee — Bavarian Lake Constance — by our senior correspondent Christoph Raffelt. The German side of the lake was long known for its simple, straightforward, fruity wines. But it’s fast becoming an insider go-to for serious expressions of Alpine-adjacent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, and PIWIs. If you can, follow Christoph’s tips to plan a visit. If not, read through his recommendations and hunt them down. They won’t be insider tips for long.
Seasoned journalist Rainer Schäfer presents a penetrating portrait of late visionary-provocateur Rainer Zierock. Zierock’s work in Württemberg and Alto Adige-Südtirol transcended boundaries, norms, and, many times, common sense. But as George Bernard Shaw noted: “We want a few mad people now. See where the sane ones have landed us!” Indeed.
We are also excited to share reports from Nils Kevin Puls and from Valerie on how German and Austrian growers are rethinking their relationships with alt-packaging and closures and the impact these choices have on both enjoyment and the environment. Swiss-based journalist Bart de Vries brings us a report from the frontlines of PIWI R&D in Switzerland’s Agroscope and private wineries.
Finally, we are proud to feature not one but two TRINK debuts in this volume. The intrepid Samantha Cole-Johnson leads us on a thought-provoking journey into a few of the highly individual and complex philosophies behind Germany’s Prädikat system. It’s about so much more than just numbers. Swedish wine writer Sara Emilia Nässén, who long called Italy home, deepens our understanding of a few of the change agents behind recent regenerative developments in Alto Adige-Südtirol.
Our cover art is an original painting from international artist Agata Zaborowski. If you enjoy this piece, the rest of her designs can be viewed at her virtual gallery Agata Art Gallery.
Happy reading!
Paula Redes Sidore, Bad Honnef
Valerie Kathawala, New York City
