2022 Hallgarten Jungfer Riesling dry VDP.Grosses Gewächs Weingut Prinz Rheingau 0.75l

2022 Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling dry VDP.Grosses Gewächs - Rheingau
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Prinz winery in 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 Wine Producers) 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. The Hallgartener Jungfer vineyard is one of the most renowned parcels in the Rheingau and has been highly valued for centuries. The Cistercian monks of Eberbach Abbey probably gave it its name, in reference to the Virgin Mary. The southeast to southwest-facing slopes are rich in quartzite, which stores heat during the day and releases it at night – a basis for the famous minerality and ageing capacity of Jungfer wines.

Expansion:

The grapes for this VDP. Großes Gewächs come from the oldest plots in the prime part of the site, where yields are deliberately kept low. The harvest was carried out selectively by hand between mid-September and early October. Some of the grapes were pressed directly , while others were allowed to macerate for additional structure and depth. Fermentation took place slowly in stainless steel and traditional large wooden barrels , and the wine was aged on the full lees until bottling in April. The wine then matured for several more months in the bottle before its release in September 2024.

Aroma & Taste:

The 2022 Jungfer reveals its distinctive terroir even on the nose . A cool, stony-mineral bouquet with hints of flint, herbs, and delicate citrus freshness. On the palate, the wine presents itself taut and focused, carried by lively acidity and a salty texture. The cool herbal spice and distinctive minerality lend it great tension and energy. A Riesling of crystalline precision and impressive length – like a chalk cliff in the surf.

Food recommendation:

Its salty minerality and lively acidity make it an exciting accompaniment to modern, herb-focused dishes , such as grilled fish with lemon butter , oysters or sushi, but also ideal with goat cheese or light poultry dishes .

Special features of the 2022 vintage in the Rheingau:

2022 was a warmer, drier vintage , but with sufficient rainfall in the summer, so the vines were not affected. The grapes were harvested healthy and ripe, while acidity levels remained pleasingly stable . This resulted in wines in the Rheingau with ripe fruit, good concentration, and yet stimulating freshness —a combination that particularly benefits the character of the Hallgartener Jungfer.

Conclusion:

The 2022 Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling GG from Weingut Prinz is a prime example of the cool, delicate style of this vineyard. Precise, saline, and minerally dense, it displays great inner tension and ageing potential. A Riesling that challenges and delights in equal measure—and will provide enjoyment for many years to come.