2021 Weingut Wittmann Kirchspiel Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewachs BIO

A typical Riesling that honors its character. Nicely concentrated power, complex and mineral. Biodynamically produced by the high-quality winery Weingut Wittmann from the Rheinhessen region . The Kirchspiel vineyard opens amphitheatrically towards the Rhine and receives the first rays of the sun in the morning. Here the vineyards, with their east-southeast exposure, are sheltered from the cold westerly winds, creating a microclimate in this Kirchspiel vineyard. The vineyards here are mainly planted in the upper part of the plot, with a maximum slope of 30 percent.

Soil: Mainly clay bucket with limestone deposits and loam consisting of weathered limestone - this gives the Kirchspiel its unmistakable, spicy and elegant character. This Kirchspiel Riesling Trocken GG has a concentrated power that can almost be felt in its depth, richness and intensity. The firm structure comfortably reveals a taste of refined silk fruits. Here, a seductive interplay of strength and elegance creates a distinctive whole. The spicy aromas, a gift from the unique terroir, slowly reveal themselves, giving the Kirchspiel an almost poetic finish.

VDP Grosse Lage is the denominator for the very best German vineyards, which are precisely defined per plot. Unique wines with a special expression of the specific plot, a mature character and great aging potential are born here. Only the very best and grape varieties specific to the vineyard enjoy the privilege of being planted for this. The strictest possible production criteria guarantee the top of the VDP qualification pyramid.

The first 3 months of 2017 were very dry and in February and March it was warm early, so that the sprouting started 2 weeks earlier than usual. Between 20 and 24 April, however, there was frost again, which hit hard and thus (before the real season had yet to start) formed the basis of a small harvest. Candles were burned on a total of 2 hectares, which certainly helped limit the loss. In May, the beautiful weather that lasted well into July was combined with a shower here and there that kept the soil nice and moist. As a result, flowering was a week earlier than usual. Also in August, the combination of beautiful summer and occasional showers meant an excellent condition for ripening. Unfortunately, there was a large hailstorm at the end of August that caused considerable damage. Because it was dry again for a long time afterwards, the grapes dried and so there was no gray rot that could have spread quickly. Due to strict selection (a huge job), bad grapes could be cut out. As a result, the harvest was smaller than ever.

Weingut Wittmann is located in Westhofen in the Rheinhessen wine region and produces biodynamic wines with terroir expression and extreme precision. The Wittmanns and their ancestors have been winegrowers in Westhofen since the 17th century. The experience of some 350 vintages spanning more than 15 generations is of great importance in the priceless heritage of the family. Time and rest are essential ingredients for making a good wine. And this is exactly what the wines get in abundance in the vaulted cellar, built in 1829. Winemaker Philipp Wittmann watches over his wines, under constant temperature and humidity conditions, as they mature in 80 wooden barrels. The oldest of these barrels dates back to 1890 and has already housed many great vintages. Each barrel contains the harvest of 1 single vineyard plot.