Weingut Karthäuserhof, Riesling Dry, Eitelsbacher, Alte Reben, VDP Ortswein, Trier, Mosel, Germany, 2021

Producer Profile

The Karthäuserhof is a magical place. And not primarily because of its idyllic location.

It is the eighth oldest winery in the world and has been the cradle of world-famous Rieslings for centuries. It was founded in 1335 by Carthusian monks who received the estate as a gift from Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg and ran it as a winery until secularization. The Karthäuserhof has been owned by the family since 1811, now in its seventh generation. Mathieu Kauffmann, Technical Director and Alsatian native is responsible for the vineyard care and vinification of the wine and his belief in an ecological approach to farming is going to shape the philosophy of Karthauserhof into the future.

Viticulture

The grapes are grown in the village of Eitelsbach (Ruwer valley) within a unique microclimate and grown on the distinctive Devonian slate in the soil. They originate from the older plots of Karthäuserhofberg with forty years old wines.

Winemaking

The grapes were brought to the cellar, briefly crunched and then pressed. The fermentation took place with natural yeasts in oak barrels. In 2021 they decided not to bottle any of their top GG (Grosses Gewächs) wines, so all the parcels usually reserved for the GG were used in the 2021 Alte Reben.

Oak Ageing

Time: 10 Months
Type: 500 - 800 Litre Oak Barrels
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

The wine shows the typical flavours and mouthfeel of the unique combination of Devonian slate and iron in the soil combined with an intense nose, mineral and spicy character, white stone fruit, crisp pear and hints of citrus. Velvet and extremely juicy on the tongue, invigoration acidity without any sharpness. Made to last but also wonderful to drink now.

Food Matching

A delight with poultry, pork, cured meat and Asian spice.