»Aus den Lagen« Riesling 2023 by Weingut A. Christmann from Gimmeldingen in the Palatinate — dry, elegant magnum bottle sourced from 17 hectares of classified top vineyard sites with coloured sandstone, limestone and terrace gravel soils, farmed biodynamically since 2003 (respekt-BIODYN, EU organic).
Bottler: Winery A. Christmann, Peter-Koch-Str. 43, 67435 Gimmeldingen/Pfalz / Germany
In the glass
Colour
Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections, crystal clear in the glass.
Nose
Fine citrus notes of lime and white grapefruit, accompanied by ripe peach, apricot, floral hints and a subtle stony trace that speaks of its vineyard origins.
Palate
Dry, slender and with a precise, vibrant acidity; juicy on the palate, with a saline note and a silky texture, just as Steffen Christmann aims for in his Rieslings — powerful yet elegant, with perfect balance and a long, cool-mineral drive on the finish.
Character
A ‘prima ballerina’ among Rieslings: linear and precise, yet sealed with elegance, reflecting the collaboration of three generations at Weingut A. Christmann, combining 25 years of experience with freshness from Geisenheim, Bordeaux and Australia.
Pairing
Fine white fish with light sauces, asparagus dishes prepared with wild herbs, starters such as terrines or delicate poultry pâté.
Notes
Sourced exclusively from VDP.ERSTE and VDP.GROSSE LAGEN — including the legendary parcels IDIG, Meerspinne, Ölberg-Hart and Vogelsang —; biodynamic since 2003 (certified respekt-BIODYN + EU organic, expressly not Demeter); 1500 ml magnum; 12.0% ABV; also an expression of the sparkling wine sister philosophy of Christmann & Kauffmann with Matthieu Kauffmann — former cellar master at Bollinger.
Tasting note
Character
Steffen Christmann describes his ideal as the Prima Ballerino among Rieslings: powerful yet elegant, with perfect balance. This dry blend from the estate’s premier parcels lives up to precisely that aspiration – taut, juicy and marked by a salty minerality that the winemaker himself likens to a silky texture. A wine of tension and presence, which in the large magnum format shows particular ageing potential.
Terroir & Origin
The A. Christmann estate in Gimmeldingen on the Mittelhaardt traces its history back to 1798. The grapes come from vineyards on coloured sandstone, limestone and terrace gravel – soils that lend each wine its own distinctive signature. All 17 hectares of the estate are classified as either VDP.ERSTE or VDP.GROSSE LAGE, including legendary sites such as IDIG, Meerspinne and Ölberg-Hart.
Grape Variety & Vinification
Riesling dominates the estate’s plantings at 70 per cent – alongside it, there is only Pinot. Since 2003, the family has farmed biodynamically, certified by both respekt-BIODYN and EU Organic. Horn manure, horn silica and compost preparations replace synthetic chemicals, and all work follows the lunar calendar. The result, according to Steffen Christmann: the roots reach deeper, the vineyards have found their balance – and the wines display greater tension. Three generations stand behind this signature style: grandfather Fritz, still working in the vineyards at over 90 years of age; Steffen, as VDP President; and daughter Sophie, a Geisenheim graduate with experience from Bordeaux and Australia.
Food Pairing Recommendations
The taut acidity and salty depth of this dry Riesling make it a versatile everyday wine. Classic with pan-fried pike-perch or trout meunière, it is equally convincing alongside Asian dishes featuring ginger and lemongrass. Pork fillet with a light jus or simple asparagus with hollandaise sauce also find a worthy partner here. In magnum format, it is the perfect wine for a long evening for two – or for an occasion that deserves more than a standard bottle.
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