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Amy Waller is the sales and education manager for The German Wine Collection, an importing company that specializes in German wine. She learned hospitality from her mom at their small, family restaurant in rural Minnesota. This early experience shaped Waller’s appreciation for service, connection, and community, and continues to fuel her 25-year-long career in the industry.
After gaining experience at several Twin Cities institutions, including Lucia’s and James Beard Award-winner The Bachelor Farmer, the pandemic brought new opportunities, and Waller chose to mix things up. In 2020, Waller began working as an educator and group sales manager at France 44 Wine and Spirits in south Minneapolis. From there, Waller took on a regional sales and education role with The German Wine Collection, fueling her love for this somm-favorite wine country.
After shooting the Supertasters video with Waller, SevenFifty Daily spoke with her about her experience working with German wine.
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SevenFifty Daily: What’s the first German wine you ever tried?
Amy Waller: This is tough because I’ve probably tried more than I can remember before I really knew anything about wine. The first German wine that made me take note was a 2012 Wagner-Stempel Heerkretz Grosses Gewächs (GG). It was my first GG, although I didn’t know what that meant at the time, and I’d never tasted anything like it. It was powerful, with acid, richness, technicolor fruit, and a savoriness that I still think about. That was my German wine spark.
What’s your favorite German wine and food pairing?
I have a few because I drink more German wine than the average bear. First, raw oysters with dry Riesling poured directly on the shell. It’s like a mignonette, but better! Also, spicy tuna poke with a blanc de noirs Sekt. Think Meyer-Näkel’s ‘Illusion’ Blanc de Noir. Fruity, fresh Trollinger and charcuterie on a patio is also great.
Why do you love German wine?
Again, tough question. It’s a lot of things for me. Riesling started my love affair and will always be in my heart, but I also appreciate their dedication to quality and sustainability and the incredible diversity of grape varieties coming from the country now. Each individual region has its own unique point of view that I love exploring.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Dispatch
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