2023 Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs

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Description

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History of the Emrich-Schönleber winery

Emrich-Schönleber is located in Monzingen, in the German Nahe region, and has a tradition that goes back to the mid-18th century. Since the 1960s, the house has been in the hands of Werner Schönleber, who started with a few hectares of vineyards. The estate now covers around 20 hectares, 85% of which is planted with Riesling, supplemented with Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Werner is now assisted by his son Frank. Together they have grown the winery into one of the most respected members of the VDP, the association of German top wine producers.

Region and location: Monzinger Halenberg

The Monzinger Halenberg is the smallest VDP Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) in Monzingen and enjoys a southern orientation with shelter from cold winds. The steep slopes are planted with old vines and are characterized by a soil of blue schist, quartzite and gravel. This terroir produces compact, small grapes that are rich in aromas and natural acidity. The location promotes perfect ripening of the Riesling grapes, while maintaining freshness and a high minerality.

Climate and soils for Riesling in the Nahe

The Nahe region lies between the Mosel and the Rheingau and combines influences from both regions. The climate is relatively cool but sunny, with pronounced differences between day and night temperatures. Especially on the south and south-west slopes in Monzingen, this benefits the aromatic intensity and acidity of the grape. The soils in the Halenberg are poor, stony and well-draining, which ensures low yields and a high concentration in the juice. This makes the area particularly suitable for high-quality Riesling.

Production process of the 2023 Halenberg Riesling GG

The grapes for the 2023 Halenberg Grosses Gewächs are harvested by hand, with only the best fruit being selected. After a gentle pressing, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for several months on the fine lees, which provides complexity, texture and extra length in the finish. Fining agents are used without and intervention is minimal, so that the character of the grape and vineyard can fully come into its own. Production is limited, which reinforces the exclusivity of this wine.

Analysis of smell, color and taste of the 2023 edition

The wine shows a crystal clear, straw yellow color. In the nose it opens complex with aromas of ripe wine peach, pear, nashi pear, orange blossom and subtle floral notes. In addition, a striking minerality stands out, with iodine-like accents that are typical of the Halenberg soil. James Suckling describes the wine as very smoky with aromas of broken stone, combined with candied and fresh citrus fruits.

On the palate, the wine is bone dry, with just 4.7 grams of residual sugar. The structure is powerful and energetic, with a salty undertone, fine bitters and lively acidity. Ripe citrus, lime zest and stone fruit provide depth, while a long, clean finish underlines the wine's class. According to Parker and Vinous, this vintage scores 96/100 and is among the most elegant and layered dry Rieslings of the year. Parker (96/100) writes in his review: Frank Schönleber's 2023 Halenberg Riesling GG is one of the most impressive dry wines from this vintage in all of Germany.

Drinking and aging potential of the 2023

Although this wine can be drunk well from 2025 onwards, its full potential will only really be expressed from 2027 onwards. The concentrated style, high acidity and minerality give it impressive ageing potential until at least 2060. Drinking young is possible, but the wine will then deserve a few hours of decanting or even opening a day in advance to fully unfold its complexity.

Why order this wine from our range?

The 2023 Halenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs is a wine that combines rare depth and refinement with tension and freshness. It belongs to the absolute top of dry German Riesling and is loved by serious enthusiasts and professional sommeliers alike. On our website you can read the full reviews from internationally renowned wine critics such as Parker, Suckling and Vinous. This service is available free of charge to our customers. This helps you make a well-informed choice.

Would you like to order Emrich-Schönleber wines online?

The Halenberg Riesling and other wines from Emrich-Schönleber are safely stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse. When you choose to collect, you often receive an extra discount. You will see this discount immediately when you choose 'Collect' on the checkout page. Our location is in Dordrecht, almost directly next to the A16 and with plenty of free parking. Click here for our address.

In the tab 'Appendix' you will find any fact sheets, additional information and photos. The full reviews of international wine journalists such as Parker, Suckling and Vinous can be read on the website via the links next to the image. This is a free service for our customers.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to go with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.

Wine and food pairings with Halenberg Riesling

  • Scallops with lemon butter and dill – the wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral depth add extra sparkle to the delicate seafood.

  • Grilled cod with cucumber-mint salsa – fresh spiciness and salty accents match the wine's sleek profile perfectly.

  • Lauchsoufflé with smoked almond crumble – a slightly earthy preparation that contrasts beautifully with the salty intensity of the Riesling.

  • Sushi with tuna and salmon – the purity of the wine harmonises with the fresh fish and accentuates umami structures.

  • Truffle and mushroom risotto – the rich, creamy texture of the dish is perfectly balanced by the crisp acidity and finesse of the wine.

  • Scallops and langoustines in saffron sauce – this luxurious dish calls for a wine with depth and tension, in which the Halenberg excels.

Specifications

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Type of Wine White
Country Germany
Region Nahe
Winery Emrich-Schönleber
Grape Riesling
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2023
Drinking as of 2028
Drinking till 2050
Alcohol % 13
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 96
James Suckling rating 98
Tasting Profiles Aromatisch, Bloemig, Complex, Droog, Fris, Fruitig, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit
Drink moments Indruk maken, Lekker luxe

Professional Reviews

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Parker

96

James Suckling

98

Wijnhuis

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The Schönleber family stands behind the Emrich Schönleber wines and this now belongs to the absolute top with Parker ratings of their Grosses Gewächs of up to the maximum score of 100 points

The intensive, detail-obsessed work naturally starts in the vineyard. It is thanks to Werner Schönleber's more than forty years of professional experience that the vineyards are cared for in an ideal way. He has a feeling for when and how the work should be done. This is important because every year brings new challenges. Frank Schönleber is also often seen in the vineyard during the growing season. With the harvest, however, his focus clearly shifts to the cellar, where he personally guides each wine from grape to bottling. Due to the daily handling of the wines, he has a good sense of their properties and knows how to deal with them.

The history of Emrich Schönleber

In the middle of the 18th century, wills of the Emrichs (the ancestors) give the first indications about wine-growing in the family.

In 1815, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote: "Now the association praised a wine grown in their area called 'Monzinger'. It is said to be easy and pleasant to drink, but before you know it, it would head must rise.

1834 Johann Philipp Bronner: "Meanwhile, the state of the Monzinger Berg seems to justify the reputation of the wine there, which is why it is so expensive in price and one of the best wines in the Nahe region." (Viticulture in the province of Rheinhessen, in the Nahethal and Moselthal)

1960s The estate was operated as a mixed business (agriculture, livestock, viticulture). This was so common then, since the risk of bad harvests (due to late frost, poor flowering, fungal diseases, etc.) was still very high in viticulture. Only very wealthy families (often industrialists) could afford a pure winery.

In 1965-1985 Wilhem Schönleber (born in Swabia) and later his son Werner Schönleber restructured the company into a pure winery. The wine-growing area grew from approximately 2 to 10 hectares during this period.

1991 With an increasing share of Riesling and an ever-improving portfolio of sites, Werner Schönleber led the winery in the group of the "100 best wineries in Germany" (according to the magazine "DM").

1994 It was included in the VDP, the Association of German Prädikatsweingüter.

Today, about 20 hectares of vineyards are cultivated. The Riesling has reached a share of more than 85%, supplemented by Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. We have now succeeded in making our way to the top. The relevant wine guides in Germany agree: "World class" rating.

Attachments

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