2024 Günther Steinmetz Paulinsberg Chenin Blanc

The history of Weingut Günther Steinmetz and the role of Paulinsberg

Weingut Günther Steinmetz is one of the most characterful estates in the Mosel. A family business that has worked for decades with steep slopes, old plots, and a clear preference for wines that combine tension, depth, and freshness. Under the leadership of Stefan Steinmetz, the estate has become a benchmark for serious wine enthusiasts. His style is recognizable by its pure character, the direct expression of slate, and the pursuit of precision in both dry and slightly sweet wines.

The Mosel is known worldwide for its steep slopes and mineral-rich soils. The Paulinsberg is a unique example of such a steep vineyard. Situated on gray, weathered slate, it captures abundant sunlight, resulting in wines with ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and a distinct mineral character. Although the region is primarily associated with Riesling, Steinmetz deliberately chooses small plantings of other varieties that thrive surprisingly well in this terroir.

The unique location of Paulinsberg and the Moselle climate

The steep slopes of Paulinsberg ensure maximum sunlight absorption and excellent drainage. The gray slate acts as a natural heat buffer, storing heat during the day and slowly releasing it during the cool nights. This allows the grapes to ripen evenly and retain their freshness. The Mosel's climate is relatively cool, yet with plenty of sunshine. This produces wines that are aromatic, light, and complex.

In 2024, the Mosel experienced a challenging but ultimately very successful growing season. Frost damage occurred in some higher-elevation plots, but Paulinsberg was largely spared. Thanks to selective harvesting and lower natural yields, the wines from this vintage are remarkably tight, clear, and defined in the glass.

The style of Günther Steinmetz and the meaning of Chenin Blanc

While Riesling forms the backbone of the estate, Chenin Blanc is an emerging specialty. The grape variety is known for its versatility, tension, and ability to produce both fresh and rich styles. In the Mosel, Chenin takes on a cool and distinctly mineral interpretation.

The vines for this wine are young. The vines were planted in 2021 on extremely steep slopes. This makes this 2024 the very first vintage of Chenin Blanc Paulinsberg. It's remarkable how young Chenin vines already show character here. Tasting notes from both Germany and internationally describe this wine as a remarkably fresh, expressive, and sunny interpretation of Chenin in a completely different context than the Loire Valley or South Africa.

The 2024 Paulinsberg Chenin Blanc, a debut full of tension and depth

The 2024 Paulinsberg Chenin Blanc is dry, bright, and energetic. The wine opens with a subtle hint of passion fruit, followed by a soft, creamy note that seems to come from the subtle oak aging. In the background, citrus notes, floral nuances, and a delicate slate smoke emerge. Another tasting note emphasizes the combination of floral honey, ripe peach, and spicy freshness. This blend of impressions demonstrates the versatility and layered nature of this wine.

On the palate, the wine feels taut, sunny, and lively. The fresh acidity creates tension, and the light creaminess of the oak creates a full yet elegant structure. The finish is long with subtle nutty notes and a cool mineral edge. The wine perfectly matches the estate's profile, which emphasizes clarity, precision, and understanding of the terroir.

Grapes, harvest and vinification

The wine is made entirely from Chenin Blanc grapes from young 2021 plantings. The slope is extremely steep, requiring much of the work to be done manually. The grapes were harvested healthily in 2024, despite lower yields in the region. The growing season yielded grapes with high aromatic tension and natural purity.

After careful selection, the wine was pressed and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak. Fermentation proceeded easily until almost completely dry, which perfectly suits the estate's energetic style. Part of the aging took place in oak, which adds a subtle creaminess without compromising the freshness and minerality.

The result is a wine that is immediately expressive, but also has sufficient structure to continue to develop in the coming years.

Color, smell and taste

The color is light golden yellow with a green sheen. The aroma combines passion fruit, peach, citrus, and hints of smoke and nuts. Floral notes give the wine an elegant lift. The palate is taut, clear, and juicy, with citrus notes and a subtly creamy mid-palate. The minerality of the slate adds tension and makes the finish precise and long.

The wine displays both youthful energy and depth. Thanks to the combination of vibrant acidity, ripe fruit, and subtle oak notes, this is a wine that already delivers great pleasure and can continue to develop in the coming years.

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

Grilled trout with lemon and fresh herbs complements the crisp acidity and mineral notes of this Chenin Blanc. The fish's light smoky flavor complements the subtle woody notes.

Pan-fried chicken with sage and roasted vegetables pairs well with the wine's ripe yellow fruit and creamy mid-palate. It creates a harmonious whole without making the dish too heavy.

Risotto with fennel and lemon forms a soft base, beautifully refreshed by the wine's vibrant citrus aromas. The fennel's spiciness complements the floral notes.

Fresh ravioli with ricotta, mushrooms, and a light jus emphasizes the earthy and nutty notes on the finish. The creamy filling creates a beautiful contrast with the wine's taut structure.

Sea bass tartare with yuzu and cucumber makes an elegant pairing, where the pure freshness of both dish and wine enhances each other. The mineral tension makes the whole dish exceptionally precise.