2021 Kallstadt Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht Pfalz 0.75l

2021 Kallstadt Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry Winery Koehler-Ruprecht - Palatinate
single-vineyard wine

The Koehler-Ruprecht winery in Kallstadt has been closely associated with the legendary Kallstadter Saumagen vineyard for decades. Under Bernd Philippi , the Saumagen became internationally famous, and Dominik Sona has continued the tradition unchanged since 2014. The Saumagen is considered one of the best Riesling vineyards in Germany: limestone marl, loess, and sandstone characterize the soil and give the wines their distinctive minerality. With 4 hectares, the winery owns one of the best parcels here, which have always been synonymous with long-lasting, profound Rieslings.

The harvest is selectively carried out by hand in several rounds to ensure only healthy, golden-yellow grapes are harvested for the dry late harvest. After a short maceration period, the grapes ferment spontaneously in traditional 1200- liter barrels . Aging takes place without intervention and without modern technology, on the full lees for almost a year. Only then is the wine bottled unfined – slow wine in the truest sense of the word .

The 2021 Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry boasts clear, cool aromas . The nose reveals green apple, citrus, and peach , accompanied by white blossoms and chalky spice . On the palate, it is taut, fresh, and stimulating , with precise, lively acidity and fine mineral tension. The structure is elegant, with a long, saline, and straightforward finish , offering plenty of energy and lift.

Perfect with grilled char with herbs , poultry in a light lemon sauce , or Asian dishes with ginger and lime . Its freshness and minerality also beautifully complement goat's cheese or seafood .

Special features of the 2021 vintage in the Palatinate:

The 2021 vintage was challenging in the Palatinate region: severe disease pressure in the summer led to significant yield losses in some regions. From August onwards, the weather stabilized, and the Rieslings particularly benefited from the cooler conditions. The result is wines with lower alcohol, lively acidity, clear fruit, and plenty of freshness – a style reminiscent of earlier, classic Palatinate vintages and offering Riesling a clear platform.

Conclusion:

The 2021 Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry combines the traditional Koehler-Ruprecht style with the climatic conditions of a classic cool-climate vintage. Taut, cool, and minerally, it showcases the timeless elegance of Saumagen . A wine that delights young but will gain depth and complexity with age—and an example of why Riesling is considered a winning grape variety in 2021 .