Königsbacher Ölberg-Hart Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2022

Wine description for Ölberg-Hart Königsbach Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2022 by Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, sparkling golden yellow – a wine that already promises substance and character in the glass.

Nose

Somewhat closed in its youth, but those with patience will be rewarded: With air, a multi-layered bouquet unfolds of wood pear, apple and apricot, which combines with exotic notes of physalis, mango, pineapple and kiwi. Beneath lies the unmistakable, heavy limestone marl-influenced intense minerality – cool, precise, incorruptible. Fine notes of white pepper, coriander and mustard flour lend the whole an appealing spicy depth.

Palate

Powerful and full-bodied, this Riesling fills the palate without losing elegance. The juicy fruit notes return, embedded in a saline-mineral structure that recalls the limestone-marked soul of the vineyard. The acidity is present, vibrant and integrated – it carries the wine without dominating it.

Finish

Long, sustained and marked by a stimulating bitter note that awakens the appetite and inevitably fuels the desire for the next sip – or the next course.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Hart lies in the heart of the Königsbach Ölberg at the Haardt ridge, where the Palatinate Forest meets the open Rhine plain. Heavy tertiary limestone marl (Terra fusca), interspersed with bunter sandstone gravel, characterises the soil and gives the wine its characteristic mineral tension. The exposed elevated position provides early morning sun, cool evenings and a refreshing night breeze from the Klausental valley – ideal conditions for Riesling of the highest precision.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling from selective hand-harvesting into small crates, spontaneously fermented in large wooden barrels. A crafted purist approach that lets the terroir speak. Definitely decant and enjoy in large glasses at not-too-cool temperature – this wine needs room to open up.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The saline minerality and aromatic density make this Riesling an ideal companion for substantial cuisine: lobster with tarragon butter, sugar snap peas and ribbon pasta or monkfish wrapped in bacon on pearl barley risotto are classic pairings on equal footing. Those who prefer plant-based options will find in smoked tofu with wild herb salad a surprisingly harmonious partner.

Special Features

Since 2020, Christmann winery has vinified the entire Hart vineyard site as a VDP.Grosse Gewächs – a wine that carries the history of the legendary auction wine „Kapelle“ within it whilst simultaneously opening a new chapter. A Riesling for cellaring: in five to ten years it should simply be magnificent.