2022 Kallstadt Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht Pfalz 0.75l

2022 Kallstadt Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry Winery Koehler-Ruprecht - Palatinate
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

For generations, the Koehler-Ruprecht winery in Kallstadt has been closely associated with the Kallstadter Saumagen vineyard, considered one of the finest Riesling sites in Germany. Under Bernd Philippi, the vineyard achieved international acclaim, and since 2014 , Dominik Sona and his team have continued the tradition unchanged. The Saumagen site, located on the western edge of Kallstadt, is characterized by limestone marl, loess, and sandstone , which lend the Rieslings their distinctive minerality, depth, and longevity.

Expansion:

The grapes for this dry Spätlese wine are harvested by hand in several selective rounds . After a short maceration period, spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts takes place in traditional 1200- liter barrels . Aging takes place without fining, without technical intervention , and with a long lees aging period until the summer of the following year. This creates a wine with a classic signature: old-school, purist, and long-lasting .

Aroma & Taste:

The 2022 Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry opens with ripe yellow fruit, peach, and apricot , complemented by citrus zest and herbal notes . On the palate, it is dense, juicy, and creamy , yet less acidic than the cool 2021 vintage. The structure is harmonious, carried by minerality and fine spice. The finish is long, savory, and elegant , with a subtle hint of ripeness.

Food recommendation:

Excellent with fried pike-perch with lemon butter , veal loin with light sauces , or poultry terrine with fresh herbs . Mature hard cheeses like Comté or a classic Palatinate sausage with sauerkraut also go perfectly.

Special features of the 2022 vintage in the Palatinate:

The 2022 vintage was characterized by a hot, dry summer and water shortages in many vineyards. Younger vines suffered from drought stress, while older ones had deep enough roots to produce balanced grapes. Rain in mid-September brought relief and extended the ripening period, allowing healthy, aromatically rich grapes to be harvested. The wines are fruit-focused, precise, and clear , with less acidity than 2021, but with a riper, more approachable character.

Conclusion:

The 2022 Saumagen Riesling Spätlese dry combines the more opulent, yellow-fleshed fruit of a warm vintage with the mineral radiance of Saumagen. Less edgy than 2021, but full of juiciness and harmony, it is an ambassador of Palatinate Riesling in a challenging yet excellently mastered year. A wine that is already approachable now, but will gain depth over the years.