Königsbacher Ölberg-Hart Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2023

Wine Description for Ölberg-Hart Königsbach Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2023 by Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Luminous platinum in the glass, brilliant and clear – a visual promise of precision and elegance.

Nose

Unusually fruit-forward for this wine, yet with the characteristic restraint of a great vineyard site. Peach blossom and yellow plums meet mirabelle plums and lemon, whilst smoke, graphite and chalk lend mineral depth. Sensual, but never intrusive – an aroma that invites lingering.

Palate

Here the wine reveals its true character: A silky-creamy texture caresses the palate, carried by mirabelle plums and apricots. Yet the fruit is counterbalanced by a dark, stony, slightly phenolic component – a fascinating interplay between charm and seriousness. The texture evolves from velvety to fine-grained and slightly abrasive, lending the wine remarkable depth and complexity. At 12% alcohol, perfect balance is achieved here.

Finish

Long and mineral with lingering fruit and a fine, chalky note that recalls the limestone marl terroir.

Terroir & Origin

The Hart designates the heart of the Königsbach Ölberg vineyard site around the historic wayside chapel. Classified as VDP.Grosse Lage since 2013, the wine now benefits from mature vines across the entire parcel. The soil of tertiary limestone marl (Terra fusca), interspersed with bunter sandstone gravel, decisively shapes the mineral character of this Riesling.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling, skin contact for a few hours, spontaneous and warm fermentation, maturation in large double oak cask – classical, respectful vinification that gives terroir room to express itself.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pan-fried monkfish with saffron sauce, calf sweetbreads with morels, scallops on fennel vegetables or aged Comté. The phenolic structure also pairs excellently with poultry in light sauce.

Special Characteristics

A Grosses Gewächs that unites seriousness and accessibility – not a stern ascetic, but a charming thinker. The maturity of the vines and the signature of the Christmanns are palpable in every sip.