2018 Steinberger "Wild Ferment" Riesling dry Kloster Eberbach Rheingau 1.5l

2018 Steinberger "Wild Ferment" Riesling dry - Rheingau
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Steinberg is one of Germany's most famous vineyards—a clos in the Rheingau surrounded by a historic quarry stone wall, cultivated by the Cistercian monks of Eberbach Abbey since the 12th century . Its southwest-facing slopes, characterized by sand, gravel, clay loam, and slate, produce exclusively world-renowned Rieslings. Only the oldest vines and the most perfect grapes were selected for the "Wild Ferment."

Expansion:

The "Wild Ferment" is an experiment deeply rooted in tradition, which began with this 2018 vintage. Chief oenologist Kathrin Puff opted for "pure nature" – fermenting solely with the Steinberg's natural yeasts . The process begins directly in the vineyard: The carefully hand-picked grapes are mashed and fermented in a glass carboy in the middle of the vineyard – without any added cultured yeasts . This initial fermentation, initiated by the vineyard itself, provides the natural fermentation starter .

The remaining grapes are left to macerate on their skins —a process that has also been practiced in Burgundy for centuries. The must is then gently drawn off and transferred to small barriques located in the historic Steinberg forge . This location was deliberately chosen: away from the rest of the cellar, to protect the must from foreign yeasts and to allow the wine to work exclusively with its own yeast culture.

The final stage is the blending of the fermenting must from the vineyard (glass carboy) with the must from the barriques. After fermentation, the wine matured on the fine lees and was bottled exclusively in magnum bottles , which give it enormous aging potential.

Aroma & Taste:

Initially seriously funky and challenging on the nose, with time in the glass, delicate aromas of white stone fruit emerge, accompanied by dried herbs, candied citrus notes , and a subtle yeasty spice. On the palate, it displays substantial density , yet still appears raw and youthful , with taut, fresh acidity and a saline minerality. These elements will need time to meld harmoniously—the potential is enormous.

Food recommendation:

Perfect with scallops , fine seafood , poultry with creamy sauces , or delicately spiced Asian dishes . It's also a meditative wine on its own for special occasions.

Special features of the 2018 vintage:

The vintage in the Rheingau was exceptionally warm and sunny , with healthy, perfectly ripe grapes. The interplay of rich aromas and present, yet ripe acidity makes 2018 a vintage with great aging potential—ideal for this unique experiment.

Conclusion:

The 2018 Steinberger "Wild Ferment" is authentic, uncompromising, and unique —a Riesling that combines history and craftsmanship. The strict work with its own yeast flora , the fermentation starter from the vineyard with subsequent blending in the Steinberg forge, and the limited-edition magnum bottling make it a collector's item with character , one that only unfolds its full potential with patience.