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

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

Origin:

The Maximin Grünhaus winery on the Ruwer River near Mertesdorf looks back on over a thousand years of history: As early as 966, the vineyards were donated to the Benedictine monastery of St. Maximin in Trier. Since the end of the 19th century, the estate has been owned by the von Schubert family. The monopoly includes the three famous vineyards of Abtsberg, Herrenberg, and Bruderberg , which were hierarchically divided by the monks themselves. At just one hectare, Bruderberg is the smallest and most independent of the three. Its eastern exposure and barren blue slate soils produce racy, herbaceous, and minerally Rieslings that are more angular and saltier than the wines of Herrenberg and the noble Abtsberg.

Expansion:

The 2023 Spätlese grapes were harvested by hand in a strictly selective process , sometimes in multiple rounds. Thanks to localized noble rot, we succeeded in obtaining highly ripe, aromatically complex grapes. Fermentation was traditionally carried out with spontaneous yeasts in foudres or stainless steel. Fining was avoided to preserve the clarity and authenticity of the terroir.

Aroma & Taste:

In the glass, the Spätlese wine displays a brilliant golden yellow . The nose reveals ripe citrus fruits, yellow peach, and mirabelle plum , complemented by delicate herbs, floral accents, and a cool slate note . On the palate, the wine is intensely fruity and lively , carried by a delicate sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the striking acidity. A distinctive salty minerality and a hint of honey in the long finish add depth and excitement. Compared to Herrenberg and Abtsberg, the Bruderberg is more angular, herbivorous, and minerally .

Food recommendation:

This Spätlese wine pairs perfectly with oysters with lemon , grilled sea bass with fennel , and Asian dishes with a sweet and sour interplay , such as crispy duck with orange sauce. Blue cheese or a fruity dessert with apricots or quinces are also harmonious companions.

Special features of the 2023 vintage on the Ruwer:

The 2023 vintage was characterized by extremes: drought stress in June, sunburn in July, and heavy rain from the end of July onward led to very dynamic ripening. Many Riesling grapes reached late harvest ripeness, partly accompanied by noble rot . This enabled healthy and aromatically rich grapes to be harvested, particularly on the Ruwer River. The result is fruit-focused wines with a clear balance of sweetness and acidity and great precision . 2023 was an excellent vintage for noble sweet Prädikat wines such as the Spätlese.

Conclusion:

The Bruderberg Riesling Spätlese 2023 showcases the distinctive personality of this small vineyard: racy, salty, and herbaceous , yet with a fine balance of sweetness and acidity and elegant fruit. It clearly distinguishes itself from the nobility of the Abtsberg and the spicy, creamy style of the Herrenberg. A characterful Ruwer Riesling, delightful when young and will develop additional complexity with age —a rare and authentic ambassador of Grünhäuser's smallest vineyard.