2021 Monte Vacano Riesling dry Robert Weil Rheingau 0.75l

2021 Monte Vacano Riesling dry Robert Weil - Rheingau
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Robert Weil winery in Kiedrich was founded in 1875 and is now one of the world's leading Riesling producers. The Monte Vacano vineyard is a 0.5-hectare plot at the transition from the Gräfenberg to the Turmberg, with extremely steep slopes and the highest proportion of phyllite slate on the Kiedrich hills. It was brought into the family's possession by Emilie Weil, née Vacano, in 1875 and remained exclusively for the family until 1921. Afterward, it was incorporated into the Gräfenberg GG (Gräfenberg GG) until the plot was re-released as a standalone wine in 2018. With ancient vines, minimal yields, and strictly limited production, the Monte Vacano is now considered an iconic wine of the Robert Weil estate .

Expansion:

The grapes come from extremely low yields and are selected exclusively by hand in multiple rounds . The wine is fermented and aged in 1,200-liter Taunus oak barrels , which are freshly reworked specifically for this purpose to create a fine, carefully integrated oak structure. The long aging on the lees gives the Monte Vacano its distinctive depth, density, and structure .

Aroma & Taste:

In the glass, the 2021 vintage presents a light gold hue . The nose opens with citrus zest, orange blossom, and white tea , complemented by delicate ethereal herbal notes of anise, sage, and mint , as well as a hint of caramel and smoked slate. On the palate, it is powerful, taut, yet harmonious , with aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, white currant, and yellow kiwi . The texture is tight, yet deep and complex, supported by a salty minerality and fine tannins. The finish is incredibly long, precise, and full of tension —a Riesling of great calm and balance.

Food recommendation:

Monte Vacano is a meditation wine and ideal for festive occasions. It pairs perfectly with pan-fried turbot with fennel , veal fillet in morel cream , or Asian-inspired dishes like pan-fried scallops with sesame and ginger. Mature Comté or Pecorino also pair beautifully.

Special features of the 2021 vintage in the Rheingau:

The 2021 vintage in the Rheingau was characterized by heavy rainfall and severe disease pressure. Intensive manual work – defoliation, grape splitting, and rigorous selection – was necessary. Thanks to the well-drained phyllite soils and the cooling Taunus winds, the grapes in the Kiedricher Berg remained healthy. A sunny September brought the crucial physiological ripeness, allowing for golden-yellow, perfectly ripened grapes with high extract to be harvested. 2021 is considered a classic cool-climate vintage , with taut acidity, fine fruit, and great ageing potential.

Conclusion:

The 2021 Monte Vacano Riesling is an iconic single-vineyard wine with a unique history: a return to a parcel once reserved exclusively for the family. It embodies the coolness, precision, and depth of the Kiedrich vineyard in its purest form, combining great density with exquisite elegance and saline minerality. A wine for long aging, it represents the pinnacle of Rheingau Riesling and embodies Robert Weil's signature style in an incomparable way.