2022 Erbach Marcobrunn Riesling dry VDP.Grosses Gewächs Weingut Prinz Rheingau 0.75l

2022 Erbach Marcobrunn Riesling dry VDP.Grosses Gewächs – Rheingau
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Prinz winery from Hallgarten currently cultivates 11.5 hectares of vineyards according to organic and biodynamic principles and has been a member of the VDP (Association of German Winemakers) since 2005. It was founded by Fred Prinz , who dedicated himself to viticulture after studying in Geisenheim and built up the family business step by step. His son Florian Prinz , also a Geisenheim graduate, has been an integral part of the business since 2018 and is responsible for the outdoor operations, with a strong focus on implementing biodynamic cultivation. The Marcobrunn site is one of the most well-known and prestigious vineyards in the Rheingau. With just 7.1 hectares, it stretches between Erbach and Hattenheim along the railway line. The soils consist of calcareous tertiary marl and deep, micaceous loess clay - a combination that gives wines from Marcobrunn depth, density and a characteristic elegance.

Expansion:

The grapes were selectively harvested by hand on October 7th – golden yellow, fully ripe, and in some cases even slightly overripe. After gentle pressing , spontaneous fermentation with the vineyard's own yeasts took place in traditional single-barrel barrels . The wine then matured on the full lees until bottling in April, which imparted depth, smoothness, and structure.

Aroma & Taste:

The 2022 Marcobrunn presents a profound, mineral-chalky nose , accompanied by ripe citrus, yellow stone fruit , and delicate herbal spice . On the palate, it is powerful and complex , with ripe fruit, a salty texture, and a finely chiseled acidity that lends it precision and excitement. The typical elegance of Marcobrunn combines here with a captivating length and great aging potential.

Food recommendation:

An ideal accompaniment to scallops with saffron risotto , grilled turbot , veal loin with morel cream , or fresh herb dishes like wild garlic pesto. Thanks to its salty minerality, it also pairs well with oysters or fine goat cheese .

Special features of the 2022 vintage in the Rheingau:

2022 was an exceptionally warm and dry year in the Rheingau, presenting challenges for winemakers. Prolonged heatwaves put young vineyards under particular pressure, while deep soils like those in Marcobrunn benefited from their water-retaining capacity and produced highly ripe, healthy grapes. Typical of the vintage is the significant reduction in malic and tartaric acid , which gives the wines a harmonious, creamy texture , combined with ripe, aromatic fruit. Overall, 2022 is considered a good to very good vintage , less characterized by austerity and acidity than 2021, but instead impressing with juiciness, balance, and elegant richness .

Conclusion:

The 2022 Erbach Marcobrunn Riesling GG from Weingut Prinz combines the Rheingau's prestigious vineyards with the hallmarks of a consistently organic family winery. A powerful yet elegant Riesling with depth, mineral tension, and great aging potential.