Riesling Alte Reben „Auf der Mauer“ 2021

Wine description for Riesling Alte Reben „Auf der Mauer“ 2021 from Barnert & Drewitz

Colour & appearance

Light gold with a slight, natural cloudiness - a sign of the unadorned bottling without filtration. A wine that does not hide its authenticity.

Nose

A chameleon in the glass, reminiscent of Alsatian richness. The flavour alternates between ripe apples, crunchy pears and Quinces, interwoven with Wax, Jasmine and other floral nuances. The nose promises maturity and complexity - a natural wine that takes its time to develop.

Palate

Surprisingly taut and bone dry, despite the opulent nose. With only 11.5 % alcohol, one could fear leanness, but the opposite is the case: the wine shows lean force, carried by precise extract and lively acidity. The flavours of Pome fruit and Beeswax are organised by a mouth-watering saltiness which lends tension to the transparent, dense finale.

Departure

Long, mineral and infused with a salty freshness that invites you to take another sip. The acidity remains present without dominating - a Riesling with grip and elegance.

Terroir & origin

Steep terraced vineyards on the Hessian Bergstrasse near Bensheim. The old vines are rooted in weathered granite breeze with a high proportion of skeleton - a soil that provides tension and minerality. A landscape that is not only visually reminiscent of Alsace.

Grape variety & vinification

Riesling from old vines, spontaneously fermented and matured in stainless steel. Long maturation on the lees, bottled unfiltered, minimally sulphurised. A natural wine approach that makes the wine Starkenburg country wine degraded - probably too unconventional for the examination board, but all the more authentic.

Food pairing suggestions

Bouchot mussels in savoy cabbage papilotte with ginger cream, Trout with almonds, lemon and parsley or Pad Thai. The wine's saltiness and acidity harmonise perfectly with seafood and Asian flavours. Be sure to decant!

Special features

A Riesling that rewards patience. Unfiltered, minimally sulphurised and classified as a country wine - a wine with character and soul, not despite but because of its independence.