2021 Ökonomierat Rebholz Riesling Vom Schiefer Trocken
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
Effusive nose with a whole garden of fresh herbs, also some delicate stone fruits. Stunning minerality on the very focused and light-footed palate. The acidity at the properly dry finish may be a bit challenging for some, but we find no hint of unripeness there, rather we find it invigorating and excitingly stony. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.
93 points - jamessuckling.com November 2022
The 2021 Burrweiler Vom Schiefer Riesling trocken offers a clear, pure and refined but intense, slate-driven nose with iodine notes. Round and fresh on the palate, this is a saline, mouth-filling and very elegant Riesling with juicy fruit, fine tannins, stimulating savory acidity and lingering salinity. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork.
92 points - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate December 2022
Drink: 2025 - 2042