Orders on weekdays before 17, shipped same dayWe are happy to help you, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Go to customer serviceCheckout using your account
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany |
| Region | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (12%) |
| Drink window | 2023 - 2050 |
Low Stock
Only 3 left
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Nahe |
| Winery | Weingut Donnhoff |
| Grape | Riesling |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2023 |
| Drinking till | 2050 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Screw cap |
| Parker rating | 92 |
| James Suckling rating | 93 |
| Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Fris, Fruitig, Licht, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Borrelen, Met vrienden, Summer party, Terras, Voor alledag |
Rating
92
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2024 - 2045
Reviewed by
Stephan Reinhardt
Issue Date
25th Aug 2022
Source
August 2022 Week 4, The Wine Advocate
The 2021 Riesling Tonschiefer is from slate soils in Oberhausen (Leistenberg and Hermnnshöhle) and offers a clear, intense and salted bouquet of crushed rocks and white stone fruits. Supple yet light and fresh on the palate, this is a piquant and finely tannic, stimulatingly salty Riesling with lush fruit on the finish, which is still a bit edgy but only as rugged as the landscape around Oberhausen. 12% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted at the domaine in July 2022.
2021 is, after a long time, once again a classic vintage, something Cornelius Dönnhoff has not had in this century, but for his father Helmut, a harvest in late October and November was still common. The harvest at Dönnhoff was a good two or three weeks later than in recent years, after there had been no hot spells but frequent showers without thunderstorms. Peronospora was the challenge of the vintage. It required meticulous crop protection as well as foliar work to keep the foliage wall airy and healthy. Without such, as well as a late harvest, physiological ripeness would not have been achievable in 2021. The harvest began in the last week of September and lasted until the second week of November, when the nights had long since returned to a sensitive cool. Must weights were low, but the grapes were still ripe, even though acids were very high. Dönnhoff maintains a large team and was able to harvest at the right time in every site. Since there was virtually no botrytis in the middle Nahe, it was not possible to select any Beerenauslesen and Trockenbeerenauslesen here, just Eiswein.
The musts were cool due to the cold nights and could be processed without haste.
That the 2021s also managed without residual sugar to balance the high acidity (10 grams per liter) is something no one would have thought at the beginning of harvest, even at Dönnhoff. But since it was partly precipitated as tartar, the wines are riper and rounder on the palate than was thought in the fall. In order to buffer the acidity naturally (with potassium and calcium), the musts were left on the extract-rich grapes longer than usual. The tartaric acid thus found binding partners and could partially precipitate, if the wine was given enough time.
The results of the vintage are outstanding, especially with Dönnhoff, especially with the Grosses Gewächs and the Auslese category. I caught the GG from the Dellchen at the perfect moment at the end of July, but the wine still tasted great to me four weeks later in Wiesbaden.
"2020 is now the third vintage in a row with an extremely warm and dry summer," Cornelous Dönnhoff sums up his latest vintage, which is his best to date and contains numerous highlights, not least among the Chardonnay/Pinot group, which has never been better and has certainly made the biggest leap forward. While there was no extreme heat in 2020 as there was in 2019, both spring and summer were consistently warm, leading to early budbreak and early flowering.
The rapid development was then slowed by persistent drought and heat during the summer. "Soil-water balance was certainly an issue, but we already had practice through 2019 and 2018," Dönnhoff says. Canopy management was therefore of critical importance. In addition, "vast amounts of straw and compost" were spread to help retain water through the summer.
"Those who were able to get their vineyards through this period well should have a bombshell vintage in the bottle as well as in the cellar," says Dönnhoff.
Only young vines under five years old had problems with drought stress. Overall, however, Dönnhoff was amazed to see that the vineyards were still green when the trees were already getting brown leaves.
To be better prepared for such conditions in the future, Dönnhoff installed irrigation systems in many locations last year. In plots with old and older vines, however, they were not used. Only the young vines received water between the end of June and the beginning of August to get them through the drought in good health. So far, the water has come from various wells, but it is tedious or "a logistical challenge" to get it in place with a tanker truck and hose. "The future certainly has to be different." Rain storage tanks up in the mountains, for instance, could be a solution. Plans for that already exist, Dönnhoff says. "Young fields in particular are highly vulnerable to prolonged drought. Today, these need much more time than in the past to bear stably. Instead of three years, it's better to be patient for five years today—at least."
Another challenge of the 2020 vintage was another early harvest, as the days in September are still very warm. This requires them to start picking just after sunrise, as well as speedy processing of the crop. A powerful team in the vineyard and cellar for rapid processing was certainly one of the basic requirements for a high-class vintage. Above all, it was important to ensure that the must weights did not "go through the roof," especially with the Pinot varieties. For this reason, Dönnhoff visited his vineyards almost daily in the fall to collect samples and determine the physiological ripeness and must weight. The harvest then began on September 15 with the Pinot varieties, but the grapes for sparkling wine were harvested as early as September 4 (Pinot Noir in the Roxheimer Höllenpfad). The Riesling harvest began on September 17, and the end of the harvest was celebrated on October 19 in the Brücke, with the grapes for Auslese wines. Ice wine was then harvested on November 30.
The Grosses Gewächs Rieslings (GG) were harvested early because the grapes in the best sites simply ripen earlier. The Hermannshöhle excels as always, but the Brücke is of exceptional quality also, as is the Dellchen. A highlight of the collection is the 2020 Spätlese from the Hermannshöhle, which has a fantastic price-pleasure ratio.
The Beerenauslese from the Hermannshöhle, which I didn't taste, is to be released next year.
All in all, another terrific vintage for Helmut and Cornelius Dönnhoff.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Weingut Dönnhoff is a winery located in the Nahe, Germany. The estate is known for producing high-quality Rieslings, which are considered some of the best in the world. The winery has a long history of winemaking and is widely respected for its dedication to producing exceptional wines with a sense of place and terroir.
The Dönnhoff family has been involved in the wine world for generations, and the history of the estate dates back to the mid-18th century. Helmut Dönnhoff, who took over the estate in the 1980s, has been instrumental in improving production. Under his leadership, Weingut Dönnhoff saw a significant transformation and gained recognition as one of the best wineries in Germany. Helmut Dönnhoff's approach to winemaking is rooted in a commitment to quality and terroir expression. He implemented meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Nahe. The estate's focus on Riesling has been a defining feature of its history.
The Nahe region is located between the Palatinate in the south and the Moselle wine region in the north. The Nahe River flows through the region and gives it its name. The region's diverse topography includes valleys, hills, and terraced vineyards. One of the most distinctive features of the Nahe is its varied terroir. The soil types here range from volcanic, shale and sandstone to clay and limestone. This diversity allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles.
The Nahe region is known for the production of high-quality Rieslings. Riesling thrives in these diverse soil and microclimate conditions of the region. In addition to Riesling, other white grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) are also grown, and some red varieties such as Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) can be found. The Nahe benefits from a variety of microclimates, influenced by its topography and proximity to the Rhine. The region has warmer and drier areas in the valleys, as well as cooler, higher elevation locations, which allow for the production of different styles of wine, from dry to sweet. The Nahe is known for producing a wide range of wine styles, from bone-dry and crunchy Rieslings to deliciously sweet and botrytized dessert wines (noble rot). The region is also known for its sparkling wines and rosé wines.
Weingut Dönnhoff is especially praised for its Rieslings, which are known for their elegance, precision, and terroir expression. They produce a variety of Riesling styles, from dry to sweet, as well as noble sweet wines made from grapes with botryt. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture and uses environmentally friendly farming methods. They strive to minimize their impact on the environment while producing high-quality grapes. Weingut Dönnhoff's wines have received wide recognition and numerous awards from wine critics and organizations. They are highly sought after by collectors and wine lovers around the world. In addition to Riesling, Weingut Dönnhoff also produces other white grape varieties, including Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Silvaner.
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Nahe |
| Winery | Weingut Donnhoff |
| Grape | Riesling |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2023 |
| Drinking till | 2050 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Screw cap |
| Parker rating | 92 |
| James Suckling rating | 93 |
| Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Fris, Fruitig, Licht, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Borrelen, Met vrienden, Summer party, Terras, Voor alledag |
Rating
92
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2024 - 2045
Reviewed by
Stephan Reinhardt
Issue Date
25th Aug 2022
Source
August 2022 Week 4, The Wine Advocate
The 2021 Riesling Tonschiefer is from slate soils in Oberhausen (Leistenberg and Hermnnshöhle) and offers a clear, intense and salted bouquet of crushed rocks and white stone fruits. Supple yet light and fresh on the palate, this is a piquant and finely tannic, stimulatingly salty Riesling with lush fruit on the finish, which is still a bit edgy but only as rugged as the landscape around Oberhausen. 12% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted at the domaine in July 2022.
2021 is, after a long time, once again a classic vintage, something Cornelius Dönnhoff has not had in this century, but for his father Helmut, a harvest in late October and November was still common. The harvest at Dönnhoff was a good two or three weeks later than in recent years, after there had been no hot spells but frequent showers without thunderstorms. Peronospora was the challenge of the vintage. It required meticulous crop protection as well as foliar work to keep the foliage wall airy and healthy. Without such, as well as a late harvest, physiological ripeness would not have been achievable in 2021. The harvest began in the last week of September and lasted until the second week of November, when the nights had long since returned to a sensitive cool. Must weights were low, but the grapes were still ripe, even though acids were very high. Dönnhoff maintains a large team and was able to harvest at the right time in every site. Since there was virtually no botrytis in the middle Nahe, it was not possible to select any Beerenauslesen and Trockenbeerenauslesen here, just Eiswein.
The musts were cool due to the cold nights and could be processed without haste.
That the 2021s also managed without residual sugar to balance the high acidity (10 grams per liter) is something no one would have thought at the beginning of harvest, even at Dönnhoff. But since it was partly precipitated as tartar, the wines are riper and rounder on the palate than was thought in the fall. In order to buffer the acidity naturally (with potassium and calcium), the musts were left on the extract-rich grapes longer than usual. The tartaric acid thus found binding partners and could partially precipitate, if the wine was given enough time.
The results of the vintage are outstanding, especially with Dönnhoff, especially with the Grosses Gewächs and the Auslese category. I caught the GG from the Dellchen at the perfect moment at the end of July, but the wine still tasted great to me four weeks later in Wiesbaden.
"2020 is now the third vintage in a row with an extremely warm and dry summer," Cornelous Dönnhoff sums up his latest vintage, which is his best to date and contains numerous highlights, not least among the Chardonnay/Pinot group, which has never been better and has certainly made the biggest leap forward. While there was no extreme heat in 2020 as there was in 2019, both spring and summer were consistently warm, leading to early budbreak and early flowering.
The rapid development was then slowed by persistent drought and heat during the summer. "Soil-water balance was certainly an issue, but we already had practice through 2019 and 2018," Dönnhoff says. Canopy management was therefore of critical importance. In addition, "vast amounts of straw and compost" were spread to help retain water through the summer.
"Those who were able to get their vineyards through this period well should have a bombshell vintage in the bottle as well as in the cellar," says Dönnhoff.
Only young vines under five years old had problems with drought stress. Overall, however, Dönnhoff was amazed to see that the vineyards were still green when the trees were already getting brown leaves.
To be better prepared for such conditions in the future, Dönnhoff installed irrigation systems in many locations last year. In plots with old and older vines, however, they were not used. Only the young vines received water between the end of June and the beginning of August to get them through the drought in good health. So far, the water has come from various wells, but it is tedious or "a logistical challenge" to get it in place with a tanker truck and hose. "The future certainly has to be different." Rain storage tanks up in the mountains, for instance, could be a solution. Plans for that already exist, Dönnhoff says. "Young fields in particular are highly vulnerable to prolonged drought. Today, these need much more time than in the past to bear stably. Instead of three years, it's better to be patient for five years today—at least."
Another challenge of the 2020 vintage was another early harvest, as the days in September are still very warm. This requires them to start picking just after sunrise, as well as speedy processing of the crop. A powerful team in the vineyard and cellar for rapid processing was certainly one of the basic requirements for a high-class vintage. Above all, it was important to ensure that the must weights did not "go through the roof," especially with the Pinot varieties. For this reason, Dönnhoff visited his vineyards almost daily in the fall to collect samples and determine the physiological ripeness and must weight. The harvest then began on September 15 with the Pinot varieties, but the grapes for sparkling wine were harvested as early as September 4 (Pinot Noir in the Roxheimer Höllenpfad). The Riesling harvest began on September 17, and the end of the harvest was celebrated on October 19 in the Brücke, with the grapes for Auslese wines. Ice wine was then harvested on November 30.
The Grosses Gewächs Rieslings (GG) were harvested early because the grapes in the best sites simply ripen earlier. The Hermannshöhle excels as always, but the Brücke is of exceptional quality also, as is the Dellchen. A highlight of the collection is the 2020 Spätlese from the Hermannshöhle, which has a fantastic price-pleasure ratio.
The Beerenauslese from the Hermannshöhle, which I didn't taste, is to be released next year.
All in all, another terrific vintage for Helmut and Cornelius Dönnhoff.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Weingut Dönnhoff is a winery located in the Nahe, Germany. The estate is known for producing high-quality Rieslings, which are considered some of the best in the world. The winery has a long history of winemaking and is widely respected for its dedication to producing exceptional wines with a sense of place and terroir.
The Dönnhoff family has been involved in the wine world for generations, and the history of the estate dates back to the mid-18th century. Helmut Dönnhoff, who took over the estate in the 1980s, has been instrumental in improving production. Under his leadership, Weingut Dönnhoff saw a significant transformation and gained recognition as one of the best wineries in Germany. Helmut Dönnhoff's approach to winemaking is rooted in a commitment to quality and terroir expression. He implemented meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Nahe. The estate's focus on Riesling has been a defining feature of its history.
The Nahe region is located between the Palatinate in the south and the Moselle wine region in the north. The Nahe River flows through the region and gives it its name. The region's diverse topography includes valleys, hills, and terraced vineyards. One of the most distinctive features of the Nahe is its varied terroir. The soil types here range from volcanic, shale and sandstone to clay and limestone. This diversity allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles.
The Nahe region is known for the production of high-quality Rieslings. Riesling thrives in these diverse soil and microclimate conditions of the region. In addition to Riesling, other white grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) are also grown, and some red varieties such as Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) can be found. The Nahe benefits from a variety of microclimates, influenced by its topography and proximity to the Rhine. The region has warmer and drier areas in the valleys, as well as cooler, higher elevation locations, which allow for the production of different styles of wine, from dry to sweet. The Nahe is known for producing a wide range of wine styles, from bone-dry and crunchy Rieslings to deliciously sweet and botrytized dessert wines (noble rot). The region is also known for its sparkling wines and rosé wines.
Weingut Dönnhoff is especially praised for its Rieslings, which are known for their elegance, precision, and terroir expression. They produce a variety of Riesling styles, from dry to sweet, as well as noble sweet wines made from grapes with botryt. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture and uses environmentally friendly farming methods. They strive to minimize their impact on the environment while producing high-quality grapes. Weingut Dönnhoff's wines have received wide recognition and numerous awards from wine critics and organizations. They are highly sought after by collectors and wine lovers around the world. In addition to Riesling, Weingut Dönnhoff also produces other white grape varieties, including Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Silvaner.
