Generations Riesling 2022

The Generations Riesling from Axel Pauly estate comes from the steep slopes overlooking the Moselle River, around Lieser and neighboring villages, in the heart of one of Germany's oldest wine regions. The vines are planted on steep, south- and west-facing slopes, where the gray schist soils retain heat and promote slow, even ripening of the grapes. This cool terroir, with its climate influenced by the proximity of the river, gives rise to precise, taut wines with a strong mineral character.

The Riesling grapes for the Generations cuvée are hand-harvested on the steep slopes of the Moselle Valley and then gently pressed as whole bunches. The must ferments slowly at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity and typical freshness of the grape variety. Aging continues on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for several months, with minimal intervention to maintain the precision, tension, and mineral expression of the terroir, before bottling to achieve a straightforward, clean, and fruity style.

This wine reveals notes of crisp green apple , vibrant citrus , and white peach , complemented by delicate floral touches and a stony, mineral dimension typical of Moselle schist. The palate is enlivened by a fresh acidity that lengthens the wine and highlights its light, crystalline texture , with a marked sense of purity. The saline and persistent finish leaves an impression of great drinkability and balance, inviting further tasting.

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.