2021 Philipp Kuhn Saumagen Riesling GG

Philipp Kuhn's winery and the Palatinate style

Weingut Philipp Kuhn in Laumersheim is one of the Palatinate's leading producers. The estate operates with low yields and hand harvesting. The focus is on Riesling, which showcases its terroir and tension. Calcareous soils and cool air currents contribute to bright acidity, ripe fruit, and a pronounced mineral structure. The Grosses Gewächs wines represent the top of the range and are sourced from designated Grosse Lage plots.

Kuhn's style revolves around precision. The wines are fermented and aged in a way that preserves the purity of the fruit. The mineral background and intensity of the Riesling perfectly complement the soil structure of Kallstadter Saumagen.

the terroir of Kallstadter Saumagen

Saumagen is one of the Palatinate's most prized vineyards. The soil consists of limestone, gravel, and iron-rich minerals. This terroir produces Rieslings with a combination of ripe fruit, salty tension, and a strong mineral framework. The sloped location ensures optimal sunlight, while cool air from the Haardt Mountains preserves the freshness.

Saumagen wines are known for their density, minerality, and longevity. Their structure is always recognizable: tight, intense, and chalky, with a long and energetic mouthfeel.

characteristics of Philipp Kuhn Saumagen Riesling GG 2021

The 2021 Saumagen GG opens with fresh notes of lemon, lime, and subtle reduction. Underneath lie layers of ripe fruit that gradually reveal more depth. On the palate, the wine is powerful, juicy, and intense. The structure is compact and driven by lime and iron-rich minerals. The finish is salty, long, and finely tannic, with citrus notes that enhance the tension.

According to an international assessment, the wine displays pure and fresh aromas with a combination of ripe fruit and iron-rich limestone minerals. The wine is described as intense, juicy, and taut, with a remarkably long, salty, and powerful finish (source: The Wine Advocate, 95+ points). The tasting report calls the wine one of the highlights of the vintage.

A second review describes aromas of pineapple and passion fruit, with a deep chalky base and a long, fresh, and polished finish. The wine is recommended for further opening from 2024 onwards (source: James Suckling, 94 points).

the 2021 growing season

The 2021 vintage in the Palatinate was cool and clean. The grapes ripened slowly, developing high aromatic tension and crisp acidity. The later harvest produced wines with a tight structure and a clear aromatic profile. For a terroir like Saumagen, such a vintage works exceptionally well. The crisp acidity and minerality are particularly pronounced.

The 2021 wines display a combination of citrus, minerality, and precision. Slow aging has created structure and balance suitable for long-term aging.

vinification and style

The grapes are hand-harvested and rigorously selected. After gentle pressing, slow fermentation follows to preserve the purity of aromas and acidity. Maturation takes place primarily in stainless steel and larger wooden barrels. This creates tension without masking the terroir. The wine remains on the fine lees to enhance texture and complexity.

The 2021 vintage has 13 percent alcohol and displays a balance between power and freshness. The wine is taut yet has enough juice to carry its structure. The chalky and iron-rich minerality is immediately recognizable.

color, smell and taste profile

The color is bright pale yellow. The aroma reveals lemon, lime, limestone, ripe pineapple, and a slight reductive note that hints at freshness and tension. On the palate, the wine is intense and taut, with layers of citrus, chalk, and stony minerals. The finish is long, salty, and finely tannic.

The texture is full yet energetic. The combination of ripe acidity and mineral grip provides length and structure. The chalky core clearly reveals the calcareous soil.

aging potential of Saumagen Riesling GG 2021

The drinking window runs from 2027 to 2050. The wine has a solid base of acidity and minerality, making it ideal for aging. In the coming years, the fruit will further open and develop into honey, spice, and deeper mineral notes. The structure remains intact thanks to the powerful core and salty finish.

Would you like to order Philipp Kuhn wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings with Saumagen Riesling GG 2021

Fried plaice with lemon goes well with the fresh acidity and salty texture.

Seafood risotto complements the aromatic tension and lime minerals.

Veal tartare with green herbs combines well with the clean citrus line.

Scallops with apple and fennel create an elegant balance with the ripe fruit.

White asparagus with butter sauce matches the powerful yet fresh style of the wine.

Matured goat cheese emphasises the mineral core and the long, precise finish.

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