Winemaker Notes
Kreuznacher Kahlenberg (gravelly loam) in Bad Kreuznach, is a top site, but Cornelius bottles it as an Erste Lage (1er Cru) – Kahlenberg Trocken. Soils are richer in the vineyards in Bad Kreuznach, where the valley opens. The area is quite a bit warmer than Niederhäusen and Oberhäusen. The slope faces due south, with Riesling vines growing here in a bed of gravelly loam soil that gives their wines an oft-noted spicy character.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is the right wine for anyone who thinks that dry riesling is always austere. Very generous and juicy with chalky character that neatly counterpoints the full, citrusy fruit. Long finish that’s stony, but far from tart. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling trocken is from a steep vineyard on loess-loam soils with gravel and quartzite. Pure and fresh yet also fruity on the nose, with dusty lemon and wet earth and stone aromas, this is a medium-bodied, round and piquant dry Riesling with juicy fruit, fine grip, fine tannins and grapefruit bitters on the finish. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
SRKDEDHF0520_2020 Item# 823707