A top-tier dry Riesling from the Palatinate: powerful yet silky-elegant, with salty minerality derived from the limestone massif of the near-monopoly VDP.GROSSE LAGE IDIG.
Bottler: Winery A. Christmann, Peter-Koch-Str. 43, 67435 Gimmeldingen/Pfalz / Germany
In the glass
Colour
Intense, luminous golden yellow.
Nose
Still youthful and restrained at first, then revealing notes of chalk and seashells reminiscent of a fine sea breeze, alongside ethereal citrus and herbal tones, linden blossom and acacia; after extended aeration, subtle hints of wild raspberry and cassis emerge.
Palate
Clear and taut on the palate with vibrant acidity and pronounced salty minerality, underpinned by a dense fruit core and great depth; dry, long and remarkably tense.
Character
A monumental Grosses Gewächs Riesling that still requires time to mature – powerful yet elegant, with a silky texture and the potential to rank among the world’s greatest white wines in a few years’ time. Ready to enjoy now? Be sure to decant and serve in a large glass, not too chilled.
Pairing
Pumpkin gnocchi with rosemary and wild raspberry dressing, goose liver terrine with sea salt and brioche, or pan-fried sweetbreads with white truffle risotto.
Notes
From the historic IDIG vineyard site, documented since the 14th century, 95 per cent of which belongs to the Christmann family; 100% selective hand harvest and spontaneous fermentation in large wooden casks; biodynamic since 2003, certified by respekt-BIODYN and EU Organic.
Tasting note
Colour & appearance
Intensely luminous golden yellow, hinting at the concentration and ripeness of this Grosses Gewächs even in the glass.
Nose
Initially restrained, almost closed – then the limestone soil emerges unmistakably: a touch of seashells and sea breeze, interwoven with ethereal citrus notes and herbs. Linden blossom and acacia join in, and after extended aeration subtle hints of wild raspberry and cassis appear. A bouquet that evolves by the hour and rewards patience.
Palate
Clear and linear on the palate: vibrant acidity and salty minerality form the backbone, embedded within a dense framework of fruit and depth. The texture is silky, the tension electrifying. A wine of monumental stature that still appears closed at present and should absolutely be decanted – or better yet, allowed to rest in the cellar for a few more years.
Finish
Long, saline and impressively precise – the salty note that Steffen Christmann describes as a reflection of the soil carries the finish for minutes.
Terroir & origin
The IDIG vineyard site in Königsbach is the heart of Weingut A. Christmann – and effectively a monopoly: 95 per cent of the classified area belongs to the family. Once the court estate of the Palatinate Electors, documented as early as the 14th century, the vineyard rests upon a massive Tertiary limestone formation. The topsoil of terra fusca – limestone and clay – is interspersed with countless limestone fragments and some basalt. The parcel slopes steeply to the south-southeast; a gentle wind from the Klausental keeps the grapes healthy. Since 2003, the vineyard has been farmed biodynamically, certified according to respekt-BIODYN and EU organic standards.
Grape variety & vinification
100 per cent Riesling from selective hand harvesting into small crates, spontaneously fermented in large wooden casks. Vinified dry at 12.0% ABV – a Grosses Gewächs bearing the signature of Steffen and Sophie Christmann: powerful yet elegant, with perfect balance.
Food recommendations
A wine for special occasions: pumpkin gnocchi with rosemary, wild herb salad and wild raspberry dressing mirror its herbal notes and fruit. Goose liver terrine with sea salt and brioche meets the salty minerality. Fried sweetbreads with white truffle risotto find an equal partner in the silky texture.
Special features
IDIG ranks among Germany’s most defining Grosses Gewächse – a Riesling celebrated worldwide year after year, destined to join the ranks of the world’s great white wines in time. Those who open it now should decant it generously and avoid serving it too cold. The patient will be rewarded with complexity and finesse second to none.
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