Königsbacher IDIG Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2023 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for IDIG Königsbach Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2023 1500ml Magnum by Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Brilliant platinum in the glass – crystal clear and of impressive luminosity, exactly as one expects from a great Riesling of the Palatinate.

Nose

The 2023 Idig surprises with unusual accessibility for this normally reserved vineyard site. Cool and chalky, it opens with herbal notes and delicate floral aromas. A fine reduction quickly gives way to complex aromatics: bergamot, lime (which develops towards lemon), quince and a hint of apricot. The white-fleshed fruit remains elegantly restrained throughout.

Palate

Here the true greatness of this wine reveals itself: juicy, bright and stony with a slightly zesty note, yet seductively charming and open – unusual for a young Idig. The texture is electrifying, with gripping freshness and precise lemon acidity. Saline minerality and pleasant firmness carry the enormous concentration that the wine presents in an airy, light package. Plenty of play, great length.

Finish

Long, mineral and saline with lingering citrus coolness. The acidity remains present without ever becoming aggressive – a finish that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The Idig is Christmann’s centrepiece: a four-hectare monopoly vineyard site documented since the 14th century in Königsbach. The steep south-southeast-facing slope with massive limestone subsoil, terra fusca overlay, buntsandstein gravel and basalt provides the foundation for one of Germany’s few true Grand Cru wines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling, skin contact for a few hours, spontaneous and warm fermentation, maturation in large double oak cask. This classical vinification allows the terroir to take centre stage.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Scallops with lemon butter, turbot in champagne sauce, pike-perch with herb crust, calf’s sweetbread with morels or truffle risotto. The magnum bottle makes it an ideal companion for festive menus.

Special Features

A youthfully charming Idig that already offers drinking pleasure now – unusual for this vineyard site, which normally requires years to develop. The magnum moreover promises excellent ageing potential over the next 15-20 years.