“Aus den Lagen” Riesling 2023

Weinbeschreibung für “Aus den Lagen” Riesling 2023 von Christmann

In den sanften Hügeln der Pfalz, wo die Sonne großzügig auf die Rebstöcke scheint und der Boden die Geschichte von Jahrmillionen in sich trägt, kreiert das Weingut Christmann einen bemerkenswerten Ausdruck deutschen Winzerhandwerks. Der “Aus den Lagen” Riesling 2023 verkörpert eine neue Philosophie des Hauses – eine Abkehr von konventionellen Kategorisierungen hin zu einem tieferen Verständnis des Terroirs.

This wine is the result of a well thought-out reorganisation that began in 2022. It combines grapes from seven first-class vineyards in the Mittelhaardt region, all classified as Erste or Große Lage by the VDP - a second wine that captures the essence of the Palatinate winemaking tradition while bearing the unmistakable signature of the winery.

Visual impression

In the glass, the wine presents itself in a delicate straw yellow colour with lively green reflections that shimmer like sunlight through young spring leaves - a visual foreshadowing of its freshness and vitality.

Nose

The first fragrance reveals itself with restrained elegance - not intrusive, but inviting in its subtlety. It is like stepping into a morning herb garden after a light summer rain. Lemon balm and Mint weave themselves around echoes of Sage and Chervil, while Lemon grass and Sorrel provide a revitalising freshness.

The fruit components emerge gently: juicy flavours Nashi pear and gentler white peachaccompanied by the tangy sharpness of fresh Lime zests. With a little patience, the wine reveals further layers: Fennel greendelicate Pea sprouts, fine chopped almonds and a touch of Star anise - a complex aromatic structure that testifies to the depth of the soil and the care taken in winemaking.

Palate

An impressive balance between structure and finesse unfolds on the palate. The precise, crystalline acidity forms the backbone of this wine - not dominating, but perfectly integrated into the restrained fruit. It is this acidity that gives the wine its linear, purposeful course, like a clear stream flowing over pebbles.

The fruit notes appear even brighter on the palate, almost more transparent than on the nose, while the vegetal and herbal nuances characterise the flavour with subtle precision. The mineral undertone - an echo of the stony terroir of the Mittelhaardt - lends the wine an additional dimension of complexity.

This is a Riesling of remarkable maturity and self-confidence that does not need loud tones to be convincing. It is purist, focussed and characterised by a clear signature - a wine that expresses the essence of its origin with eloquence.

General information

The 2023 vintage presented the winegrowers with special challenges. After a promising start, July and August brought long-awaited but almost too much rain. The bulging berries threatened to burst and fall victim to rot. However, nature proved merciful: a golden late summer set in at the start of the harvest in early September, perfecting the ripening process.

Careful manual harvesting with rigorous selection and spontaneous fermentation - a trademark of the Christmann winery - have produced a wine that, at 12.0% alcohol, strikes a remarkable balance between strength and elegance. The subtle residual sweetness, barely perceptible on the tongue, merely emphasises the fruit components without detracting from the overall dry impression.

Food pairing suggestions

This Riesling calls for dishes that respect its precision and elegance. It harmonises wonderfully with steamed sea bass at Fennel vegetablesaccompanied by a light Lemon butter. Also to Lemon risotto with spring vegetables or Asparagus with hollandaise he proves to be an equal partner.

For bolder combinations, we recommend Asian-inspired vegetables with Lemon grass and coriander or a Goat's cheese tart with Herbs of Provence. The mineral component of the wine also makes it the ideal accompaniment for Oysters or White fish sashimi.