Rheingau QbA Riesling Grünlack Spätlese 2023 Schloss Johannisberg

What kind of wine is it

Rheingau Riesling Grlack Sp4tlese by Schloss Johannisberg is a German white wine made from Riesling grown in the Rheingau, in the vineyards of the Johannisberg castle. The style remains fresh and vibrant, with a clear aromatic profile and a citrusy finish offering mineral and saline notes. Vinification takes place mainly in steel with a brief maceration on the skins; a small part ferments in wood with indigenous yeasts and the wine then rests on the lees for several months.

Origin

The grapes come from the vineyards of the Johannisberg castle, in the Rheingau, a renowned German region for Riesling. The vines are located at about 180 meters above sea level and benefit from day and night temperature variations that help preserve freshness and aroma. The soil, made up of sand, slate, and red clay, contributes to a taut texture and the mineral sensations that characterize the sip.

How it is produced

Vinification focuses on stainless steel to preserve aromatic precision and flavor impetus. The must undergoes a short skin maceration for a few hours to extract aromatic components without adding weight to the structure. A small part ferments in wooden barrels from the surrounding forests with indigenous yeasts; after fermentation, the wine matures on the lees for several months, gaining continuity and balance on the finish.

Tasting notes

In the glass it shows a light, bright straw yellow. On the nose, you can detect grapefruit, geranium, and chamomile, with a mineral and saline trace. On the palate, it's fresh and vibrant, with a taut progression and a pleasantly persistent, citrusy finish, consistent with stainless steel vinification and time spent on the lees.

Food pairings

It is suitable as an aperitif wine, thanks to its palate-refreshing qualities. At the table, it pairs well with aged cheeses, especially with gorgonzola, where the taste tension balances creaminess and intensity. It is also recommended with refined desserts when an aromatic yet measured white is desired.

When to serve it

It is suitable for informal yet refined moments, from the aperitif to a dinner when you want a precise and dynamic white wine. Its freshness and persistence make it enjoyable throughout the meal, maintaining a vibrant progression and a citrusy finish. It is appreciated for the varietal character of Riesling and its connection to the Rheingau.