Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling VDP Erste Lage 2023

Wine Description for Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling VDP Erste Lage 2023 by Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Luminous straw yellow with bright, green reflections – a classic Palatinate Riesling profile that promises freshness and youthfulness.

Nose

Precise and clearly defined: white peach, nashi pear and apricot meet mineral notes of damp Buntsandstein and cold smoke. The aromatics remain cool and linear, underpinned by white currant and a hint of almost unripe raspberry. Herbal notes of nettle, lemon thyme and coriander lend the wine a vibrant, almost electrifying freshness. The nuance of bergamot and kaffir lime leaves underscores the purist, chalky character.

Palate

Dense, rich structure with impressive fruit concentration that never feels heavy. The wine shows itself robust, distinctive and snappily herbal – the bitter compounds remain elemental and provide high drinking appeal. The fruit is bundled in a delicate yet forceful stream that cuts through with great finesse. On the palate, the mineral tension of the Buntsandstein dominates.

Finish

Long and intense. The herbal aromas from the nose return in concentrated form – fennel seed, chervil and lemon balm linger and leave a cool, stony impression of remarkable persistence.

Terroir & Origin

The Reiterpfad vineyard site in Ruppertsberg encompasses just under 60 hectares of terraced vineyards on Buntsandstein gravel with east-southeast exposure. The Christmann parcels lie closer to the forest edge, benefiting from cooler temperatures and longer periods of sunshine. The 2023 vintage proved to be a golden autumn despite late summer rain risks – the harvest took place on 24 September under optimal conditions.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling from vines planted in 1992. Spontaneous fermentation and ageing partly in large, neutral wooden casks, partly in stainless steel tanks. Bottled in July 2024. The wine embodies Christmann’s cool, purist style with 12% alcohol.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Perfect with pan-fried trout with almond butter, zander on fennel vegetables, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce or goat’s cheese salad with herbs. The mineral structure also harmonises beautifully with sushi or scallops.

Special Characteristics

A VDP Erste Lage Riesling that bears Christmann’s uncompromising signature: cool, precise, mineral-driven. A wine that places terroir above fruit opulence – classic Palatinate with modern polish.