Lieserer Niederburg-Helden Riesling Kabinett 2022

Originating from the village of Lieser, in the heart of the Middle Moselle region, this wine comes from the steep slopes of Niederberg-Helden, one of the most renowned terroirs in the Mosel Valley. The vines are planted on steep, south-facing slate slopes overlooking the river, which promotes a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes. This stony soil retains heat and reflects light, giving the Riesling a characteristic mineral tension and great finesse. The region's cool climate adds vibrancy and precision to the aromatic profile.

The Riesling grapes for Lieserer Niederburg-Helden are hand-harvested on steep slopes and then gently pressed before undergoing a slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and fruit finesse. Fermentation is conducted with precise temperature control to maintain a touch of natural sweetness typical of the Kabinett style. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks, which enhances the tension, minerality, and crystalline expression of the Moselle blue schist terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , crisp green apple , and stone fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle minerality typical of Moselle slate. Slightly honeyed nuances and a hint of spice add complexity to the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is light and precise, driven by a lively acidity that balances the sweetness, offering a silky texture and a long, refreshing 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.