2023 Günther Steinmetz Limited Edition Syrah

The history of Weingut Günther Steinmetz and their focus on special plots

Weingut Günther Steinmetz is a family-run winery with deep roots in the Mosel region. Under the leadership of Stefan Steinmetz, the estate has grown into a producer known for pure, precise wines from steep slopes. While Riesling is the region's hallmark, Steinmetz has been exploring new grape varieties for years on small, suitable plots. His approach is always focused on uncovering the soil, structure, and tension.

With the same philosophy, the estate launched a small-scale Syrah project. A unique experiment in a region where Syrah is rarely found. The first vintage (2022) immediately demonstrated that this grape variety can display a surprising amount of character in a cool climate and on slate. Since then, Syrah has only been released in a very limited edition.

The location and climate of the Mosel

The Mosel offers a unique climate. It's cool, sunny, and dry, with steep slopes that absorb plenty of light. The slate soils store and release heat, ensuring even ripening. This results in wines with refinement, tension, and a pronounced mineral character.

For Syrah, this creates an unusual yet fascinating combination. Instead of the ripe, sultry style known from warmer regions, the grape here takes on a sleek, energetic expression. Climate change plays a role in this. While Syrah was once unthinkable in the Mosel, it now proves to be exceptionally capable of producing elegant and structured wines here.

Syrah in the Mosel, a rare and precise interpretation

Syrah remains a curiosity within the Mosel region. Only producers with knowledge of extreme slopes and a keen eye for balance dare to venture into this grape. Steinmetz approaches his Syrah as he does Riesling: precise, transparent, and unadorned. The style is refined, mineral-driven, and focused on freshness.

The very first vintage of this project made an immediate impression. This wine was praised for its fleshiness, peppery aroma, and smoky tension. Its elegant structure, fresh character, and long finish were seen as proof that Syrah in the Mosel is not only possible but even offers a new vision for the future. This foundation forms the basis for subsequent vintages, such as this 2023.

The 2023 Limited Edition Syrah, a wine with focus and character

The 2023 vintage comes from a small plot on gray slate with a thin layer of clay. This combination produces concentrated fruit and a distinctive mineral signature. Yields are extremely low, meaning the wine is available in very limited quantities. Hand-harvesting, strict selection, and gentle fermentation form the foundation of this refined style.

The aroma reveals dark fruit notes like black cherry and blackberry, complemented by violets and a characteristic peppery freshness. A subtle smoky note and earthy nuances add depth. This wine echoes the expressive style seen in the first vintage, but with even greater precision in the details. Around 350 bottles of this wine will be produced.

Grapes, harvest and vinification

The grapes were harvested early in the morning to preserve their freshness. The healthy, compact bunches were able to ripen slowly thanks to a sunny but cool autumn. Harvesting was carried out entirely by hand and rigorously sorted. The limited production required meticulous care at every step.

After harvest, a short maceration followed to emphasize the Syrah's more elegant side. Fermentation took place in small open vats, partially with natural yeasts. The wine then aged in used barriques and larger wooden barrels to develop structure without the wood dominance. This approach ensures finesse, transparency, and a long, precise finish.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2023 Syrah

The color is deep purple with a clear, transparent rim. On the nose, black cherry, violets, blackberry, and pepper combine with soft smoke and a light spiciness. The enormous focus and layering make this wine particularly appealing to lovers of cool-climate Syrah.

The palate is taut, fresh, and perfectly balanced. The tannins are fine, precise, and fully integrated. The wine is medium-bodied with a combination of ripe dark fruit and a long, fresh finish. The mineral tension of the slate adds depth and gives the wine its characteristic Mosel identity. The style is energetic, light-hearted, yet structured.

Would you like to order Günther Steinmetz 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 "Pick up" 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 full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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Wine and food pairings

Lamb chops with thyme and garlic pair beautifully with the wine's peppery, dark fruity aromas. The light smoky flavor of the grill complements the mineral notes perfectly.

Beef tataki with soy sauce and sesame seeds makes an elegant pairing. The fresh texture of the Syrah balances the dish and allows the umami flavors to shine.

Mushroom and sage risotto emphasizes the wine's earthy and spicy notes. The risotto's creamy texture provides a pleasant contrast to the vibrant acidity.

Braised veal tenderloin with a light wine jus subtly brings out the refined structure and dark fruit of Syrah.

Grilled eggplant with miso and roasted nuts makes a surprisingly good plant-based pairing. The savory depth complements the spicy expression of this wine beautifully.