Weingut Karthäuserhof, Riesling Dry, VDP Grosses Gewächs, Trier, Mosel, Germany, 2020

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 for this VDP Grosses Gewächs come from the Grand Cru site of Karthäuserhofberg. It faces south by southwest and covers almost 20 hectares of a steep slope of up to 55%. The unique microclimate and the high iron concentration pink-copper-coloured Devonian slate make it the perfect place to produce high-quality Rieslings.

Winemaking

The grapes come mainly from their oldest plot in the Karthäuserhofberg called “Kronenberg” where the vines average 80 years old. The grapes were all picked by hand, carefully brought to the cellar, briefly crunched and then pressed. The fermentation took place with natural yeasts partially in oak barrels and in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is allowed to mature on the lees for twelve months.

Oak Ageing

Time: 12 Months
Type: 500 - 800 Litre Oak Barrels
% wine oaked: 80
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

The wine shows a ripe and aromatic nose of pineapple, almond, pear, mirabelle plum, some buttery elements and honeyed yellow fruits. It proves delicately fruity and creamy on the juicy yet fresh and citrus-driven palate with a finish which is nicely aromatic and full of presence.

Food Matching

One that pairs beautifully with roast pork and Asian spiced dishes.