Winemaker Notes
This crisp, zesty, flavorsome dry Riesling comes from rolling hillside vineyards in the southern Pfalz around Ilbesheim. Most of the soils are loam mixed with a top layer of loess -- a decomposed calcium-rich dust deposited from ancient glaciers. The wine was vinified in steel and offers 7+ grams of acidity and a very slim 4g/l RS. It's practically bone-dry, but the fruit tastes super-ripe thanks to a vintage of generous Pfalz sunshine. Incredible quality, especially for a wine that's certified biodynamic and all estate-grown.
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.
This sunny and relatively dry region served for many years as a German tourist mecca and was associated with low cost, cheerful wines. But since the 1980s, it has gained a reputation as one of Germany’s more innovative regions, which has led to increased international demand.