2018 Ökonomierat Rebholz Kastanienbusch Riesling Grosses Gewachs

Region: Pfalz, Germany

Grape: Riesling

Culinary Suggestions: Sushi/Sashimi, Lightly Dressed Shellfish, Lemon Based Fish

Vineyard Practice: Biodynamic, Vegan

About

Hansjörg and Birgit Rebholz are now the custodians of this 3rd generation winery in the southern Pfalz. They were once an insider’s wine, but now have a cult following worldwide. Hansjörg Rebholz: For more than 50 years, we've been making wines containing only what nature intended for them. We do not chaptalize our wines (the addition of sugar prior to fermentation in order to increase the alcohol content), nor do we use a 'Süßreserve' (unfermented grape must added to the finished wine prior to bottling). We are certified biodynamic. Part of the VDP. Hansjörg Rebholz was Winemaker of the Year 2013 (Falstaff) and Winemaker of the Year 2002 (Gault Millau). Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz has the top 5 out of 5 grapes rating in the Gault Millau (with 10 other winemakers). Also, Hansjörg Rebholz is one of the movers and shakers in the Grosses Gewächs movement in Germany.

There are three distinct terroirs in the estate’s vineyards. In the Süd-Pfalz, where the estate is located, limestone terroir rules and it is ubiquitously present in one part of the Im Sonnenschein (or in the sunshine). In the Ganzhorn, a small sub parcel of colored sandstone in the Im Sonnenschein vineyard, Riesling turns salty, savory and fantastically mineral-driven. Last but not least there is the Kastanienbusch (or chestnut bush), one of the steepest and highest slopes in the Pfalz at 300 meters, on red slate soil that is unusual in the region. This iron-rich, well-draining soil produce wines of great concentration. It simply produces some of the greatest dry Rieslings not only in Germany – but anywhere.Rebholz’ oldest vineyard, the Albertsweiler Latt, in Albersweil was planted to Gewurztraminer in 1947. The vines are trellised on pergolas. This site makes some very special sweet wines. - Importer Note

Tasting Notes

A very spicy nose with dried cloves, garlic, jasmine and earl grey tea. Hints of smoke and cardamom. Superb density, but also focus of acidity and citrus flavor on the palate, which is medium-to full-bodied and long on the finish. Drink now or hold.

95 points - jamessuckling.com December 2019