2024 Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Rheingau Orangelack Kabinett

Schloss Johannisberg – an icon of German Riesling

Schloss Johannisberg is undoubtedly one of the most influential wineries in the world. The history of this legendary estate in the Rheingau dates back to the 9th century, and since 1720, exclusively Riesling has been grown there. This makes Schloss Johannisberg the first and oldest Riesling vineyard in the world. The castle itself is situated high above the Rhine, surrounded by a 50-hectare vineyard amphitheater that forms a semicircle around the estate. Today, the winery belongs to the Oetker family, who combine its historical heritage with modern viticultural techniques and sustainability. Each Schloss Johannisberg wine bears a colored wax seal that indicates its character and style – the Orangelack is synonymous with refined elegance and refreshing lightness.

The terroir of Schloss Johannisberg

The vineyards of Schloss Johannisberg are situated on the southern slopes of the Rheingau, enjoying maximum sunlight and the reflection of the Rhine. The soil consists primarily of Taunus quartzite with fertile loam and a thin layer of loess, enriched with iron oxide, which gives the soil a characteristic reddish-brown color. This composition imparts a distinct minerality and freshness to the wine. The unique location gives each wine from the estate its own unique tension and depth, with the Orangelack Kabinett being the most playful and expressive example.

A challenging harvest in 2024

The 2024 vintage tested winemakers across Germany. Spring began early with rapid bud break, followed by night frosts in April that caused local damage. The growing season was wet, with abundant rain and humid conditions. Summery weather only arrived in August, just in time for the grapes to ripen. Harvest began in late September and required meticulous hand selection to harvest only healthy, ripe bunches. Despite the challenging conditions, the vintage yielded surprisingly lively and aromatically pure wines, with a striking balance between fruity sweetness and refreshing acidity – precisely what characterizes a great Kabinett.

Vinification and maturation

The Riesling grapes for the Orangelack Kabinett 2024 were harvested entirely by hand and then gently pressed in a traditional basket press to preserve the delicate aromas. Fermentation took place entirely in stainless steel tanks to emphasize the freshness and purity of the fruit. This was followed by a short maturation on the fine lees in large wooden barrels made of oak from the château's own forests. This combination of modern precision and traditional aging results in a wine with pure expression, refined structure, and a lively tension between fruit, acidity, and sweetness.

Tasting note of the Schloss Johannisberg Orangelack Kabinett 2024

The nose opens with intense aromas of tropical fruits like pineapple and passion fruit, complemented by notes of yellow peach and freshly mown grass. In the second layer, delicate spicy notes of sage and mint emerge, giving the whole a fresh, aromatic lift. On the palate, the wine is juicy and lively, with a beautiful balance between ripe fruit and energetic acidity. The palate develops with nuances of orange, peach, and a light minerality that gives the whole a tension and refinement. The 34.5g/l residual sugar is perfectly balanced by 7.7g/l acidity, resulting in a refined Kabinett-style wine with impressive drinkability. The wine remains elegant and refreshing, with only 10% alcohol – ideal for lovers of delicate, balanced Rieslings.

Serving tips and storage potential

The Orangelack Kabinett 2024 is best enjoyed at a serving temperature of 7 to 9°C. This wine is already seductive in its youth, but can develop further over the next ten years, deepening its fruity notes and increasing its honeyed complexity. A classic Kabinett that gains in finesse and length with age.

Would you like to order wines from Schloss Johannisberg 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 at Schloss Johannisberg Orangelack Kabinett 2024

The Orangelack Kabinett 2024 is a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. Its freshness and light sweetness make it ideal with Asian dishes with a hint of spice, such as coconut pancakes with salmon, coriander, and chili. Shellfish such as shrimp or scallops also benefit from the wine's subtle sweet-sour balance. Fresh salads with citrus or goat cheese enhance the Riesling's aromatic vibrancy. A classic pairing is chicken breast with lemongrass and ginger, where the wine beautifully balances the dish's freshness and spiciness. Finally, the Kabinett pairs surprisingly well with mild blue cheeses, where its fruity character and subtle residual sweetness create a harmonious contrast.