2023 Mertesdorf Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese VDP.Grosse Lage Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Mosel 0.75l

2023 Mertesdorf Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese VDP.Grosse Lage Weingut Maximin Grünhaus - Mosel/Ruwer
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Maximin Grünhaus winery on the Ruwer River near Mertesdorf is one of the most traditional estates in Germany. As early as 966, Emperor Otto I donated the vineyards to the Benedictine monastery of St. Maximin in Trier. Since the 19th century, the estate has been owned by the von Schubert family, who still manage it today. The monopoly includes the three vineyards of Abtsberg, Herrenberg, and Bruderberg , whose historical division was already shaped by the monks. The Abtsberg , with a gradient of up to 70% and soils of blue Devonian slate, is considered the estate's most prestigious site. It produces Rieslings known for their delicate elegance, great precision, and exceptional longevity .

Expansion:

The grapes for this Spätlese wine come from highly ripe Abtsberg vineyards and were carefully harvested by hand . Selection was carried out in multiple rounds to ensure only the best berries were used. Fermentation took place traditionally with spontaneous yeasts in foudres and stainless steel. Fining was avoided to preserve the pure expression of fruit, sweetness, and minerality . The wine was aged gently to maintain the characteristic balance between freshness and ripeness.

Aroma & Taste:

In the glass, this Spätlese wine shines a bright golden yellow . On the nose, it displays a complex interplay of ripe peach, apricot, and pineapple , complemented by citrus freshness, honey blossoms, and subtle slate notes . On the palate, the wine is juicy and clear , with a delicate, present sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the lively acidity. The texture is delicate, elegant, yet profound , with a long finish, sustained by a subtle minerality.

Food recommendation:

This Spätlese wine pairs perfectly with roasted duck breast and orange jus , with a delicate goose liver terrine , and with Asian dishes with a sweet and sour note , such as pan-fried salmon with teriyaki sauce. It also pairs well with mature soft cheeses or, as a standalone wine, with fruity desserts like apricot crumble.

Special features of the 2023 vintage on the Ruwer:

The 2023 vintage on the Mosel was characterized by extreme weather conditions. A hot, dry June led to drought stress, followed by sunburn in July. From the end of July, heavy rain set in, quickly filling the grapes. Ripening was unusually dynamic, with many berries reaching late-harvest ripeness, accompanied by localized noble rot. The Riesling proved particularly resilient and benefited from the warm September nights and the selective harvest. The result is fruit-focused, balanced late-harvest wines with an ideal sweet-acid balance , perfectly reflecting the character of the vintage.

Conclusion:

The 2023 Abtsberg Riesling Spätlese combines the elegance and nobility of this renowned vineyard with the ripe fruitiness of the vintage. While the 2023 Herrenberg is somewhat spicier and creamier, and the Bruderberg appears more racy and edgy, the Abtsberg displays its typical delicate depth and cool minerality . A wine of great finesse that is already delightful now, but also possesses enormous aging potential—a classic of the Mosel Spätlese culture.