Purist Riesling 2024

The Purist Riesling from Axel Pauly estate comes from vineyards located on the steep slopes of the Moselle River, around Lieser in western Germany. These hillsides, predominantly south to southwest facing, rest on decomposed schist soils that retain heat and promote a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes. The cool climate, strongly influenced by the river, creates a significant temperature range, preserving the lively acidity and aromatic purity of the grape variety. This combination gives the wine a precise, taut, and mineral expression.

The Riesling grapes destined for Purist are hand-harvested on the steep slopes of the Moselle Valley and then gently pressed as whole bunches. The must ferments slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the purest expression of the fruit and its mineral tension. Aging continues for several months on fine lees, still in stainless steel tanks, without oak, to maintain the crystalline freshness, aromatic precision, and crisp, dry character that define Axel Pauly's Purist style.

This wine reveals notes of citrus , green apple , and stone fruit , complemented by delicate floral nuances and a mineral touch reminiscent of wet schist. Subtle, refreshing herbaceous impressions also enhance the sensation of purity. On the palate, the wine is elegant and crystalline, supported by precise acidity, great tension, and a clean, mouthwatering, and persistent 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.