Schloss Johannisberg : Riesling Grünlack Spätlese 2009

A Riesling Spätlese wine with a delicious freshness and fruitiness

The estate

Boasting a rich wine heritage that spans over a thousand years, Schloss Johannisberg is a must-know reference among fine German wines. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 12th century, the estate then entered a period of uncertainty due to Germany’s turbulent political and economic history over several centuries. Paradoxically, these challenges enabled Schloss Johannisberg to rise like a wine phoenix and come out in an even more glowing and prosperous manner: all the land was planted with Riesling, making the estate the first and one of the finest walled vineyards to comprise this variety in the world.

The estate reigns over a 50-hectare vineyard that is located between 110 and 180 metres above sea level on sloping plots.

The vineyard

The Riesling Grünlack Spätlese 2009 comes from an extraordinary terroir renowned for producing some of the best German wines. The vineyards enjoy an ideal position and are poised on a 45 degree south-facing slope at an altitude of 114 to 181 metres. The forest protects the vineyard from cold winds and the Rhine river, which runs like a lake in the foothills of the estate, influences the soil. Schloss Johannisberg is situated on the 50th parallel north, offering a great difference in temperature between day and night and enabling the grapes to develop their aromas and a plesant acidity. The soil is rich in quartz and silt, giving a very nice minerality to these Riesling wines.

The vintage

The year 2009 in the Rheingau was very continental with a very cold and long winter and a very warm spring. The summer was quite rainy but fortunately September was very warm which enabled the grapes to ripen fully. This year provided the wines with a beautiful complexity, concentration and minerality.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand with great care and then taken to the cellar to be delicately pressed. The wine is then fermented in stainless steel tanks.

The blend

Riesling (100%).

Riesling Grünlack Spätlese 2009 by Schloss Johannisberg: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour
This Riesling Grünlack Spätlese 2009 showcases a pale golden yellow colour.

Nose
The nose is very fine and blends fruity fragrances (mango, passion fruit and ripe apricot) with notes of flint and crushed stones.

Palate
The crystalline and refined palate exudes an alluring precision, an enveloping power and a marked freshness.

Food and wine pairing

Riesling Grünlack Spätlese 2009 will complement foie gras and mango salad, Thai curry or red fruits with mascarpone.

Service

For an optimal enjoyment, serve between 7 and 9 degrees.