Organic Riesling 2022

Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, the Dreissigacker estate lies in the heart of the Rheinhessen wine region, one of Germany's largest wine-growing areas. The organic Riesling vines are planted on rolling hillsides around Bechtheim and Westhofen, where the soils combine marl, loess, and limestone, creating a cool, well-drained terroir. The temperate continental climate, characterized by moderate summers and cool nights, promotes slow ripening of the grapes. This combination of limestone soils and a cool climate results in precise, structured wines with a vibrant acidity.

The certified organic Riesling grapes are hand-harvested and then gently pressed before undergoing a slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, preserving aromatic purity and fruit precision. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for several months in stainless steel tanks, with limited stirring, to gain texture and complexity while maintaining the fresh, taut structure characteristic of the Dreissigacker style.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , crisp green apple , and delicate stone fruit , complemented by subtle floral nuances reminiscent of linden and white blossom, as well as a pronounced mineral touch of flint and damp chalk. On the palate, the wine is taut and precise, driven by a lively acidity that lengthens the tasting experience, with a slender, crystalline texture, minimal sweetness, and a long, mouthwatering, and slightly saline finish.

Germany has a long and illustrious history of winemaking. The Romans established the country's first vineyards along the banks of the Moselle River, near the present-day city of Trier. By the third century AD, vineyards had spread to various neighboring valleys, primarily those of the Moselle's tributaries. During the Middle Ages, the Christian church, particularly the Cistercian and Benedictine monasteries, had a significant influence on the development of viticulture and the production of quality wine in Germany. Germany has always been renowned for its excellent white wines: slightly sweet, low in alcohol, but always of high quality. However, in recent years, wine drinkers have tended to prefer drier wines. Consequently, the German market has evolved to cater to all tastes with some splendid dry Rieslings and other white wine varieties, such as Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Grauburgunder. Warmer summers and milder winters have also favored rosés and reds, with Pinot Noir being the third most planted grape variety in the country. So, take your pick—from traditional Rieslings to great reds, the range is wide and still expanding. The German wine industry lost its way in terms of quality during the 20th century, expanding plantings onto less favorable sites and increasing yields to levels where quality was severely compromised. However, Germany's greatest wine producers were never completely lost, and since the end of the 20th century, considerable efforts have been made to restore Germany's former glory. Yields are now limited by law, and many leading producers have joined forces to form the VDP association (see German Wine Labels). Members of the VDP are bound by a commitment to focus their efforts on quality rather than quantity. In terms of volume, Germany ranks among the top ten countries in the world for annual wine production. Just over 60% of the wine produced is white, and it is widely acknowledged that the white wines from Germany's best vineyards and most reputable producers are among the finest in the world. German red wines are also gaining in popularity and quality, particularly those made from Spätburgunder, the local name for Pinot Noir. The second most popular red grape variety (in terms of planted hectares, at least) is Dornfelder.