Clink Different

Alexa’s Wine Diary Shares Her Go-To Bordeaux and German Wine Pairings 

Clink Different influencer partner Alexa Ferra, a Miami-based wine blogger, content creator and podcaster, answered five questions about her favorite wines from Bordeaux and Germany, her experience visiting both regions, and which bottles to buy at an ABC Fine Wine & Spirits near you.

Photo Source: Alexa Ferra

A lover of wine since college, Alexa Ferra started Alexa’s Wine Diary in 2017 to personally document the different wines she’s tasted. With positive feedback from friends and family, it quickly evolved into an established guide. In 2021, she launched Pouring Over Pages, a podcast where she pairs books with wine. Ferra is Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 2 certified with distinction and focuses on her journey in the wine industry through a relatable and inclusive perspective. 

Photo Credit: Alexa Ferra

What varieties or styles from Bordeaux and Germany do you think deserve more attention? 

Living in Miami, I tend to drink a lot of white wine to keep cool, so Bordeaux Blanc fits my lifestyle perfectly. These white wine blends primarily feature Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with smaller amounts of Muscadelle sometimes included, resulting in fresh, fruity, and acidic wines. I also think Silvaner from Germany is completely underrated. These wines have refreshing acidity and notes of green apple, pear, herbs, flowers, honeydew melon, and minerality. They’re also versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, including salads, seafood, and sausages with sauerkraut.   

What is your favorite food and German or Bordeaux wine pairing? 

During my trip to Germany, I ate at Atable, an incredible restaurant deserving of a Michelin Star, and the roasted duck breast with pointed cabbage in red wine mustard sauce paired with German Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) still lives in my dreams. I also cannot deny Bordeaux’s sparkling wines (Crémant de Bordeaux) with fresh oysters or mussels.     

Photo Credit: Alexa Ferra

If there’s one thing you could tell readers about wines from Bordeaux and Germany, what would it be? 

There’s so much variety to explore in both regions! Some may just think of red wine when talking about Bordeaux, but there are amazing sparkling wines and refreshing whites. Germany was once known in America for sweet Riesling, but the region is producing fresh reds and many other white wine varietals in dry and off-dry styles. These regions also have high-quality standards, so any wine is sure to be made well (and delicious).      

Can you share a favorite memory from your recent trip to Germany and Bordeaux?  

My trip to Bordeaux and Germany was an amazing experience full of fond memories—it’s hard to pick just one.  

In Bordeaux, I loved putting my wine blending skills to the test at Château Cormeil-Figeac. We took Merlot samples—from tank, new oak barrel, and old oak barrel—and blended different combinations until we ended up with a product we loved. I had blended wine once before and didn’t make the best wine (it was decent at best), so I was pleasantly surprised to see that my blending formula was similar to the one Château Cormeil-Figeac uses.  

In Germany, I fell in love with Weingut Fitz-Ritter, whose delicious wines, stunning gardens, and friendly animals warmed my heart. Not only was the location picturesque, but it was filled with a rich family history paired with an eye for innovation. We tasted wine, did outdoor yoga, and hung out with miniature ponies and a giant Great Dane—it was heaven.    

Photo Credit: Alexa Ferra

Clink Different is hosting in-store tastings across select ABC Fine Wine & Spirits locations this spring. What German and Bordeaux wines do you recommend from ABC’s website? 

In the Bordeaux aisle, I am a fan of Château Gloria, a red wine from the St-Julien appellation. It’s a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, which is great to drink now or stash away for aging. I also gravitate towards Château de Chantegrive, which comes from Graves and is typically a blend of around 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillon. This grape duo brings freshness and complexity to the wine.  

When it comes to Germany, do yourself a favor and grab Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenhur Riesling Kabinett, because it will change any preconceived or unfounded notions about Riesling being “too sweet.” I don’t frequently see Silvaner on the shelves, so make sure to grab the one produced by Castell.  

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