GERMANY 2023 & 2024
Classic, elegant Rieslings & Spätburgunders
We are delighted to bring you a beautiful selection of some of the country’s finest Rieslings & Spätburgunders (aka Pinot Noir).
We have highlighted a few of our favourite growers and are delighted to offer their 2023 and 2024 new releases. They are available for delivery from autumn 2025.
2023 | After the incredibly hot years of 2022, 2023 saw a welcome return to a more classic, fresh profile. More similar to the 2021 vintage in Germany, these are wines of harmony, drive and energy, with a freshness that makes these wines so appetising. The reds in particular are fabulous, a call-back to a style of wine that is becoming harder to find nowadays. ‘Just what we like’ in a vintage, says Sebastian Furst.
2024 | Whilst the start of the growing season was marked by devastating frosts that hit vines throughout Germany, 2024s tiny yield has produced wines of immense charm and poise, cut from a very classic mould. These are not blockbuster, show-off wines, but wines of resonance and elegance that are a joy to drink today but will equally blossom with further time in the cellar.
RIESLING
MAXIMIN GRÜNHAUS | RUWER, MOSEL
JJ PRÜM | MOSEL
SPÄTBURGUNDER (PINOT NOIR)
JEAN STODDEN DAS ROTWEINGUT | AHR
TECHNICAL TERMS
GERMANY'S WINE REGIONS
WEINGUT DÖNNHOFF | NAHE
“Dönnhoff is one of Germany’s best wine estates.” Anne Krebiehl MW
A modern-day powerhouse, this estate has grown to the 30 hectares it currently holds since Helmut Dönnhoff took over in 1966. Now under the stewardship of his son Cornelius, this fantastic estate continues to move from strength to strength, creating wines of drive and purity, and some of the finest dry and off-dry white wines in Germany. Their impressive holdings sit on hugely diverse soils, from slate and limestone to volcanic, quartz and loam, imparting a complexity like none other.
2024 saw the worst frosts in over two generations, so volumes are incredibly tiny this year, but the quality of the vintage up there with the some of the all-time greats. These come incredibly highly recommended, so definitely don’t underestimate how much you need; you won’t see this vintage again!
Buyer’s pick: 2024 Schlossbockelheimer Dry Riesling | £135 per 6 bottles IB
With no Fellsenberg made this year due to the severity of the frosts, the fruit has made its way into this cuvée, a downgraded Ortswein (village) level wine. The intensity and drive from this awesome site is palpable, and a bargain to boot.
DRY WINES
2024 Riesling QbA Dry
£90.00 per 6 bottles IB
From a blend of vineyards on volcanic soils, with some declassified Grand Cru even making it in this vintage. Delicate, elegant and quintessentially Dönnhoff in style, this is as crowd pleasing and lip-smacking as ever. Load up! Drink: 2025-2030. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Tonschiefer Dry Slate Riesling
£110.00 per 6 bottles IB
This comes from the Leistenberg vineyard in Oberhäusen: one of the Dönnhoffs’ most versatile and consistent sites. The soil here is grey slate; giving an intense mineral quality to the wine; as Anne Dönnhoff says, your first sip of this is ‘like licking the slate!’ Elegant, fruity and punches well above its weight. Drink: 2025-2032. Goedhuis Waddesdon
BUYERS PICK
2024 Schlossböckelheimer
Dry Riesling
£135.00 per 6 bottles IB
Featuring the declassified GG Fellsenberg this vintage, this is stellar in 2024. Cooked lemon and lime zest, with a strong volcanic drive, the weight of the fruit is greater here. An almost tannic intensity. Awesome. Drink: 2026-2032+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Roxheimer Höllenpfad Riesling Dry
£165.00 per 6 bottles IB
This Premier Cru level vineyard was inherited from the side of the Dönnhoff family that were professional beer brewers. For that reason, the label has a special logo in the bottom right corner of a devil riding a barrel. This plot sits on a pocket of red sandstone which is very rare in the Nahe, there is a more exotic register to the fruit here, and quite spicy with a herbal edge. ‘Easy drinking at a top level’, says Anne. Drink 2026-2037. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Höllenpfad im Mühlenberg
Riesling Grosses Gewächs
£310.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
This comes from a famous, steeply sloping vineyard in the middle section of the Nahe River. Grand Cru classified, Höllenpfad translates to ‘Path to Hell’, most likely a reference to the gradient and warm red sandstone soils of this plot. Amazing intensity of fruit, with some floral and blossom notes coming through too. Very open already in its youth, with a concentrated spiciness – almost a touch of chilli and curry leaf. Fabulous tension and expression, this is wonderful. Drink: 2029-2040+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
20224 Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewächs
£350.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
From a mix of slate and volcanic soils, Anne Dönnhoff likes to refer to Dellchen as their most ‘feminine’ vineyard. It feels quite light on its feet, but then the charm and radiant structure comes through. Floral, with a tightly wound core of minerality and energy. This is always so sought after, and yet again a winner in 2024. Drink: 2030-2040+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Hermannshöhle Riesling Grosses Gewächs
£390.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
Hermannshöhle is revered as the greatest site in the Nahe, the jewel in the crown of the Dönnhoff stable and the wine by which all others are compared. Slate dominated vineyard, with some volcanic soils. Regal, towering in its stature. Imposing, and showing off – a Mick Jagger of a wine, strutting around and pouting. There’s a silky acidity and feel, with an intensity of fruit and power, but all perfectly in balance. Simply awesome. Drink: 2032-2040+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
OFF DRY & SWEET WINES
2024 Kreuznacher Krötenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett (Off Dry)
£112.00 per 6 bottles IB
This south-facing vineyard is rich in small quartzite pebbles. There’s an herbal, spicy nature to the wine, with the subtly sweet stone fruit. Perfect as an aperitif, or even dare we say, the perfect thing for if you a reeling from a big night! Drink: 2025-2035+.
Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett (Off Dry)
£116.00 per 6 bottles IB
The Leistenberg vines are southeast facing, and bathe in the morning sun, which builds up both complex fruit flavours and keeps the grapes in good health, drying out any night-time moisture. Always a banker, this is classic on the nose – slatey, structured and vertical. A benchmark Kabinett, full of spice and charm and minerality. Drink: 2025-2035+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Spätlese
£210.00 per 6 bottles IB
This famous wine comes from a 1ha monopole vineyard, very close to the river, with a special and unique microclimate in the valley. The influence from the river helps to ripen the grapes to a sweeter level of sugar than those used for the Kabinett, and this wine is often amongst the finest of the range. Delicate aromas of flowers, blossom and lime leaves, with an exotic twist too. Limpid, crystalline and pure, this is typical Dönnhoff and spellbinding in 2024. Drink: 2029-2040+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2024 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle
Riesling Spätlese
£240.00 per 6 halves IB (limited)
A very special Spätlese from arguably the Nahe’s finest vineyard. Grand and regal nose, with a perfect balance between richness and mineral verticality. In every sip you find bags of energy, mouth-watering acidity and intense concentration of fruit. Absolutely stunning and built to last. Drink: 2030-2050+. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2020 Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Beerenauslese Gold Capsule
£2,400.00 per 6 halves IB (very limited)
The proximity to the river of this precious monopole enables the most fabulous late harvest styles to be made. The definition of an ‘intellectual wine’, Anne Dönnhoff says, “you have to listen to Brucke because it tells you so much, but not in the first instance”. There was sadly so little made that none was available to taste, so if you’re lucky to get some, grab on for dear life and never let go. This will live for decades, and will reward patience. Drink 2032 – 2060+ Goedhuis Waddesdon
MAXIMIN GRÜNHAUS | RUWER, MOSEL
Maximin von Schubert remains one of Germany’s most distinguished winemakers, crafting exceptional wines from the estate’s remarkable trio of vineyards—Bruderberg, Herrenberg, and Abtsberg—all seamlessly connected and steeped in history. These wines possess an almost otherworldly charm; given time in the cellar, they evolve into expressions of sublime finesse and silken grace, and one that we find ourselves being drawn to time and time again. Go out to dinner with anyone in the wine trade, and 9 times out of 10 you’ll find yourself drinking at least one bottle of Maxi Grunhaus. We are delighted to offer their monopole 2024 Abtsberg Kabinett, with no Abtsberg GG made this year due to the devastatingly small harvest.
N.B. This wine is available for delivery in early 2026.
2024 Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett
£119.00 per 6 bottles IB
The 2024 Abtsberg Kabinett Nr. 21, as it is referred to on the central part of the front label, is a fruity-styled wine. It initially proves quite reductive and strongly marked by residues from its spontaneous fermentation of bacon, slate, and wild herbs, and needs a couple of minutes to fully develop its complexity and shows notes of lime, aniseed, vineyard peach, violet, spearmint, smoke, and freshly cut herbs. The wine combines juicy elements with fresh notes of citrus fruits, and has an elegant, finely creamy long finish. This slightly richer and smoother version of Kabinett is superb. 2034-2054.
94 points. Mosel Fine Wines
JJ PRÜM | MOSEL
Prüm has become a benchmark estate in the Mosel, and one of the greatest white wine producers in the world. Founded in 1911 and now overseen by fourth generation Prüm, Katharina, this is the home of some of the finest wines in the Mittelmosel. We are thrilled to offer a small allocation of their famed vineyard, Wehlener Sonnenhur, from Kabinett up to Auslese, as well as a tiny quantity of their premium sweet Auslese Goldkapsel from Zeltinger Sonnenhur. Their 2023 releases embody everything that makes Prüm great: delicacy, finesse and longevity.
N.B. These wines are available for delivery in August 2025.
2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett
£180.00 per 6 bottles IB
The 2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is deep, pure, fresh and slatey on the precise, coolish and also floral nose. Mouth-filling, rich and dense on the palate, this is a round and juicy, very mineral, stimulating, savory and saline wine with fine, stimulating grip and an aromatic, well-structured and relatively dry finish. This is excellent and stylish in its terroir expression. 8.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in January 2025. Drink: 2030-2065. 94 points. The Wine Advocate
2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese
£204.00 per 6 bottles IB
The 2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese is concentrated and very intense on the fruit-driven, deep and spicy nose. The wine is very elegant and refined on the dense and seriously structured, salivating palate that is a promise for the future and endlessly salty in the present. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine from AP 08 24 in January 2025. Drink: 2030-2070. 95+ points. Wine Advocate
2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese
£240.00 per 6 bottles IB
Intense tropical fruit aromas such as fully ripe mangoes but also baby pineapples open the 2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese that reveals a savory slate spice. On the palate, this is a rich yet savory and persistently saline, juicy and structured Auslese with a long and still mouth-filling finish. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine from AP 12 24 in January 2025. Drink: 2030-2075. 96 points. The Wine Advocate
2022 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese Lange Goldkapsel
£645.00 per 3 bottles IB (very limited)
The 2022 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese (Long Gold Capsule) is super precise and refined on the finely flinty nose that shows highly elegant and well-concentrated but still very delicate fruit. On the palate, this is a generous, sweet yet filigreed and refined, super concentrated and stimulating saline Auslese with a long and intense, finely concentrated finish that represents very fine botrytis berry and bread aromas. This is a spectacular Auslese that could have been sold as Beerenauslese as well, but in the end, it had too much Auslese character for the Prüm family: too filigreed, too digestible, too frisky. It will be a great and food-friendly wine in 10 or 15 years. 7.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine from AP 21 23 in January 2025. Drink: 2035-2075. 98 points. The Wine Advocate
WEINGUT DR. LOOSEN | MOSEL
Few individuals have done more for the plight of German wine that Dr Ernst ‘Erni’ Loosen. Taking over the reins in 1988, he immediately focused on promoting his fabulous vines on their precipitous cliffs. Though Erni now makes wine and consults all over the world, his core group of GG wines from his famous vineyards are awesome in 2023; Urzigner Wurtzgarten as thrilling as ever, Wehlener Sonnenhur as fine and delicate as they come, and the power of Erdener Treppchen is simply awesome– there is truly something for everyone.
Buyer’s pick: 2023 Urzigner Wurtzgarten | £200 per 6 IB
Always a wine to send shivers down any Riesling lover’s spine, this is stunning in 2023. From vines over 80 years old, on some of the steepest vineyards in the Mosel, this is intense, spicy and with a wonderful flow.
2023 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Grosses Gewächs Alte Reben
£200.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
From the ferrous red slate soils of this very steep vineyard next to the Prälat, the 2023 Erdener Treppchen GG Alte Reben opens clear, deep, fresh and intense yet also refined on the elegant nose that intermingles delicate slate and intense saline notes with concentrated and spicy Riesling aromas without becoming too fruity. Mouth-filling, saline and highly refined on the palate, this is an elegant but tight and very complex, intense, long und textural Treppchen with a sustainable and layered finish that exhibits mineral and herbal flavors as well as great and complex intensity that is sourced from the terroir and transported by the deep roots of the ancient vines. The 2023 Treppchen is a highlight of the vintage in Loosen's portfolio and most probably among all the Grosses Gewächs Rieslings from the Middle Mosel Drink: 2028-2060. 96 points, The Wine Advocate
2023 Wehlener Sonnenhur Riesling Grosses Gewächs Alte Reben
£200.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
The 2023 Wehlener Sonnenuhr GG Alte Reben is clear and coolish on the subtly flinty or smoky, (blue/gray) slate-driven and lemony nose that is rather discreet given the ancient age of most of the vines but very deep on the other hand. Round, lush and savory on the palate, this is a full-bodied, tight, still very young and rather farouche Sonnenuhr that can be irresistibly charming in its youth. However, the 2023 remains shy in flavors, whereas it remains seriously complex and persistent in structure and terroir expression. The 2023 is a rich and salivating, still tannic but also concentrated long-distance runner from one of the most famous sites along the Mosel River. Drink: 2028-2055. 95 points. The Wine Advocate
BUYERS PICK
2023 Ürzigner Würzgarten Riesling Grosses Gewächs Alte Reben
£200.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
The 2023 Ürziger Würzgarten GG Alte Reben represents the impressively steep, red-colored, iron-rich cru perfectly well on the fragrant, very elegant, deep, intense and complex nose that is pure, fresh and refined but also tropical, saline and smoky. Round and crystalline on the palate, this is a full-bodied, intense and elegant, deeply structured but also generous and lush, nevertheless precise and saline Würzgarten with class and style. Drink: 2025-2055.
95 points, The Wine Advocate
WEINGUT RUDOLF FÜRST| FRANKEN
“Sebastian, who worked for years in Burgundy before returning home… has taken the estate's Pinot Noirs to a new level of quality. Without any doubt, they must now be counted among the very best produced in Germany.” Antonio Galloni
The Fürst family have been growing grapes since 1638 and produce some of the most delicious Pinot Noirs (AKA Spätburgunder) in Germany. A firm favourite amongst those in the know, bottles can be very hard to find. Low yields, a stellar reputation and demand for good quality German reds means they are snapped up on their home turf. Those who get their hands on a case are handsomely rewarded with what Hugh Johnson describes as “the silkiest and most Burgundian of all German Spätburgunders”.
Sebastian returned home in 2016 after stints in Burgundy at Domaine de l’Arlot, and now he and his father Paul are making vintage after vintage of beautiful wines. There is a gentle feel both to Sebastian and his wines; pensive, contemplative and harmonious. 2023 is a gorgeous vintage here, more classic and elegant than the blockbuster 2022, and surpasses the already lofty expectations this estate has set for themselves.
Buyer’s pick: 2023 Schlossberg Spätburgunder GG | £695 per 6 bottles IB
More of a dream wine than just a buyer's pick, this is a highlight of this tasting, and a treat for all palates, this is a stunner in 2023. Grumbling power and intensity of this ‘Grand Cru’ site, with a verve and freshness – just sublime. A superb example of what German Pinot Noir is capable of, and one to rival great Burgundy.
2023 Pinot Noir Tradition
£130.00 per 6 bottles IB
An incredible introduction to the estate and style of wine from Franken, and a bargain to boot. A blend of older fruit from 35-year-old vines, as well as some younger plantings, adding complexity and power to the blend. A lovely lifted nose of red cherry, rhubarb and delicate earthy spices. There’s a fabulous subtle, supple silkiness to the palate, with an appetising minerality that keeps you going back for more. Totally delicious today and one to crack open while you wait for the others to come around. Drink: 2025-2030 Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Bürgstadter Spätburgunder
£167.00 per 6 bottles IB
This wine comes from the family’s best old parcels in the village of Burgstadt. A touch of smokiness and spice, the purity of fruit is what makes this wine so compelling, with fresh hedgerow fruit, aniseed and crushed rocks. Wonderful lift and energy, with fine tannins that glide across the palate and fan out on the finish. Beautifully done. Drink: 2025-2031. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Spätburgunder Bürgstadter Berg
Erste Lage
£266.00 per 6 bottles IB
Erste LaErste Lage is Germany’s Premier Cru classification. While this small vineyard is south facing, there is a cooler microclimate which gives the wine its characteristic freshness. This is very much the little brother of the Grosses Gewächs Centgrafenberg. Cooler nose, with fresh fragrant red fruit, a touch of watermelon and blood orange, with the tell-tale minty herbaceousness. Elegant and finessed, with tonnes of tightly wound energy that will allow this to age beautifully. Drink: 2027-2034. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Centgrafenberg Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs
£520.00 per 6 bottles IB (limited)
Centgrafenberg is the Fürst’s coolest Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru) site and sits just above the family home. While the plot does have plenty of the rich red soil so typical of this area in Franken, it is also much rockier. This is a much richer expression here, with an impressive density of fruit and structure. Silky red cherries, blanched almonds and a smoky, savoury character unfurl on the palate, with a fabulous line of acidity. Built to last. Drink: 2028-2040.
Goedhuis Waddesdon
BUYERS PICK
2023 Schlossberg Spätburgunder
Grosses Gewächs
£695.00 per 6 bottles IB | £695.00 per 3 mags IB (limited)
This special Grand Cru wine comes from the dizzyingly steep red sandstone slopes of the mighty Schlossberg, directly underneath the eponymous castle. More brooding on the nose, with a gentle, grumbling power and intensity from this awesome site. Almost Charmes Chambertin like in structure, with red and blue fruit and a ferrous edge, this is both immediately charming and intense in perfect balance. If you’re lucky enough to grab a bottle, hide it away and wait to see how it blossoms. Drink: 2028-2040. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Hundsrück Spätburgunder
Grosses Gewächs
£915.00 per 6 bottles IB
£915.00 per 3 magnums IB
(limited)
Sebastian considers the Hundsrück Grand Cru to be his finest terroir. So markedly different to the Schlossberg tasted right before; dark and intense, with spicy fruit, and a deep core of dried lavender and black tea. The strong mineral drive here is palpable, bringing a thrilling tension on the palate. Absolutely stunning and a treat for any lover of great Pinot Noir. Drink: 2029-2045. Goedhuis Waddesdon
JEAN STODDEN DAS ROTWEINGUT | AHR
“Rotweingut Jean Stodden in Rech is one of the outstanding wine producers in the Ahr region.” Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate
The Stodden family has been growing grapes in the steep, slate soils of Ahr since 1578 and have holdings in some of the regions most important grand cru sites, including Recher Herrenberg, Ahrweiler Rosenthal and Dernauer Hardtberg. Winemaker Alexander Stodden is a man once met, never forgotten, and a Pinot specialist. In the winery he destems everything and ferments in stainless steel. He also introduces oxygen to the wine from the very start, and all through its barrel ageing which make for a smooth texture. He pats his tummy and jokes, “I want my wine to be full bodied, like me!”
Alexander has created a knockout set of wines in 2023. The estate’s hometown of Rech was catastrophically hit by floods in 2021, killing 134 people and wiping many houses away. The devastation can still be felt in the town as they continue to piece it back together. Alexander was forced to rebuild his cellar after the floods, and although under circumstances no one ever would wish for, the quality coming out of this cellar continues to improve year on year. The purity and precision captured from the vineyards that hug the estate are stunning, and well worth adding to any Burgundy lover’s cellar.
Buyer’s pick: 2023 Spätburgunder J. | £135 per 6 bottles IB
A beautiful introduction to the house style, and seriously good for the price. Deftness of touch and purity of fruit abound; this is a wine you will never tire of. One that this buyer will be loading up on!
BUYERS PICK
2023 Spätburgunder ‘J’
£135.00 per 6 bottles IB
Equivalent to a very good village Burgundy, this is a delicious introduction to the estate and style of wines from the Ahr Valley. Rich, spicy nose, with an appetising smoky edge, this has a lovely core of fruit and wonderful drive. The structure is quite delicate and beautifully balanced, highlighting the deftness of Alexander’s touch in the cellar. Drink: 2025-2030. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Recher Spätburgunder
£245.00 per 6 bottles IB
A stunning, intricate wine from the village of Recher and from the famed Herrenburg vineyard. Most of this vineyard is classified Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru), so this is essentially a downgraded Grand Cru wine, similar to a Premier Cru in Burgundy. An intense nose with a beautiful weight of fruit, but with freshness in abundance. A much smarter wine than its Ortswein (village wine) classification would have you believe! Drink: 2025-2033. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Dernauer Hardtberg
Spätburgunder Erste Lage
£360.00 per 6 bottles IB
Previously labelled Grosses Gewaches, but Alexander feels as though it’s stylistically closer to a brilliant Premier Cru so has been re-positioned as such. Incredibly pretty, graceful nose, with macerated strawberries and raspberries, with a lovely ‘scaffolding’ (as Alexander puts it) of spicy oak. The wonderful long freshness keeps you coming back, with a wonderful peacock’s tail of a finish. Drink: 2026-2040. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Ahrweiler Rosenthal Spätburgunder
Grosses Gewächs
£450.00 per 6 bottles IB
Mrs Stodden’s favourite wine of the range, as Alexander was keen to point out! And wow, what great taste she has. This is so aromatic and expressive, with a very refined, pretty nose. Floral and lifted, but with a salty mineral core, this is simply super. Drink: 2028-2042.
Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Herrenberg Spätburgunder
Grosses Gewächs
£485.00 per 6 bottles IB
The Herrenberg plot sits directly above the winery, crowning the estate. Some of the family’s oldest vines can be found here, including a few old boys who have passed their hundredth birthday. So complex and brooding, yet utterly complete, with wonderful lift. There’s a linear nature to the minerality here, but also a silky flow to the tannins that belie the sheer power of these vines. Already so refined, beautiful and complete, but will need some time in the cellar to show its best. Drink: 2028-2045. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Kräuterberg Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs Alte Reben
£570.00 per 6 bottles IB
(very limited)
The prized Kräuterberg vineyard is one of Stodden’s more recent acquisitions, and a sheer, impressive one to farm. Over 7 terrasses and 200 stairs, Alexander tiredly but proudly exclaims that this is ‘the vineyard we put the most sweat into’. The results are vindicating! Heady, opulent and expressive, with lovely delineation on the palate. Positively bursting out of the glass. The perfect balance of depth of fruit and lifted minerality. Drink: 2028-2045. Goedhuis Waddesdon
2023 Spätburgunder
Alte Reben
£765.00 per 6 bottles IB
(very limited)
Alte Reben means ‘Old Vines’ in German and this is an incredibly rare cuvée. From 100+ year old vines on their original rootstocks, this is immensely powerful, but also somehow quiet and respectful too. So harmonious, pure and powerful, it glides effortlessly across the palate. Beautiful now but will only improve. Drink: 2029-2050. Goedhuis Waddesdon
A GUIDE TO GERMAN WINES
A FEW TECHNICAL TERMS
ERSTE LAGE:
Premier Cru site.
GROSSE LAGE:
Grand Cru site.
GROSSES GEWÄCHS:
The equivalent of Grand Cru. Only used by VDP members, and only for dry wines grown in Grosse Lage sites.
PDO:
Protected Designation of Origin, equivalent to the French term AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). This term indicates that the product has come from a specific geographical area, e.g. Champagne.
PRÄDIKAT:
A classification applied to PDO wines on the basis of must weight at the time of picking. Prädikats include Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein.
SPÄTBURGUNDER:
Pinot Noir.
VDP:
Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter, a voluntary growers’ association established in 1910 that governs Grosse Gewächs classification.
GOLD CAPSULE:
An unofficial term denoting a winemaker’s special seal of approval for a particular cuvée.
GERMAN SWEETNESS LEVELS
These Prädikat terms actually refer to the grapes’ ripeness at picking, and not the residual sugar in the finished wine, but are a good guide for the level of sweetness to expect:
Typically, wines up to Spätlese will have no botrytis character. Some Auslese may do, whilst all Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese display botrytis character. Eiswein is a rare and highly prized style made from the juice of late-harvested frozen grapes (with no botrytis influence).
GERMANY'S WINE GROWING REGIONS
Map courtesy of the Deutsches Weininstitut
AHR | Located north of the Mosel, the Ahr Valley is one of Germany’s northermost wine regions and a Pinot Noir paradise. Breathtakingly beautiful, vertiginously steep vineyards wrap around the rocky mountains. These steep slopes of slate and greywacke (dark, hard sandstone) heat up in the sun and radiate warmth back to the vines and fruit and Ahr Valley Pinot Noirs are often characterised by their concentration and breadth of power.
FRANKEN| Silvaner is the leading variety in this region situated in the northwest of Germany's historic state of Bavaria. However, the iron rich red sandstone rock found here is very rare and works beautifully for Pinot Noir. While Ahr Pinot might be more on the opulence, Franken’s rocky soils confer beautiful finesse, and the wines are extremely crisp.
WÜRTTEMBERG | The Württemberg is a hilly region located south of Franken not far from Stuttgart. It is home to many of Germany’s greatest red wines from Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Trollinger (aka Schiava, a light snappy wine) to Schwarzriesling (Pinot Meunier) and Lemberger (crunchy bramble fruits, sometimes known as Blaufrankish). With plenty of limestone and clay, the best Württemberg Pinots are fabulously spicy and floral and alive with minerality.
MOSEL | The renowned Mosel Valley is home to the steepest vineyards in Germany and the world. The gradient of the slopes that dive into the Mosel River have to be seen to be believed and the poor slate soils are so inhospitable that even phylloxera finds life intolerable here, and most old vines remain ungrafted. The famous grey-blue slate of the Mosel holds heat well, helping Riesling to ripen and makes some of the world’s exquisite, delicate, long-lived, and refined white wines in the world.
NAHE | Situated south of the Mosel, the Nahe river flows into the Rhine near Bingen. Here geology reigns supreme, and the regions is known for its extraordinary range of soil types, from slate and limestone to volcanic, quartz and loam. The result is a treasure trove of incredibly pure, terroir-driven wines with fine acidities. There are a handful of top producers here of which Dönnhoff is king.
Wines are offered subject to availability.
To order: buy online, email sales@goedhuiswaddesdon.com or call +44 (0)20 7793 7900
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