Winemaker Notes
One of the three grand cru Rieslings made at Gunderloch (Hipping, Pettenthal, Rothenberg). The Pettenthal site has sandier soils and smaller rocks than Rothenberg with a deep topsoil. The wine is 100% aged in 600L neutral barrels, a welcome trend at this estate in the last few years. Indeed, this wine is a prime example of the new and exciting direction in which Johannes is taking this estate--more work in the vineyard and less in the cellar, natural fermentations, more relaxed character in the wines, lighter structures and more transparency overall.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
What a beautiful peachy nose this Pettenthal GG has, also hints of pineapple chutney and flint. Complex interplay of yeasty, mineral and wild herb elements on the juicy and exciting palate. Excellent length and aging potential.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pettenthal Riesling GG is deep, pure and mineral on the stony/iodine-scented rather than fruity nose that reveals herbal and crunchy terroir aromas as well as concentrated fruit. Silky, refined and saline on the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied, dense, pure and very elegant, still discreet but substantial and saline Pettenthal. It doesn't show its true class today but has serious talent and a substantial, very long finish. 12% stated alcohol.
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.
