Riesling Marienburg Grosses Gewächs “Rothenpfad” 2022

Wine Description for Riesling Marienburg Grosses Gewächs “Rothenpfad” 2022 by Clemens Busch

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with delicate green reflections – radiant and precise in the glass, just like the wine itself.

Nose

The nose is characterised by a fascinating mineral tension: stony notes, dried ginger and liquorice open the play, accompanied by spicy herbal hints like privet and nettle. With air, fruit aromas of red apple, vineyard peach and ripe pear unfold – complex, engaging, of remarkable depth.

Palate

On the palate, the Rothenpfad displays immediate, cutting freshness. Lime and kumquat meet a fine, bitter-herbal grapefruit note. The acidity is present, but flawlessly integrated – no showiness, but precision. A hint of tannin and an irresistible salinity lend the wine structure and depth.

Finish

Long, saline, with fine bite. The aftertaste lingers with mineral austerity and a subtle hint of citrus peel – a finish that makes you want the next sip whilst simultaneously suggesting that this wine has far more to reveal.

Terroir & Origin

The parcel Rothenpfad lies in an extreme hillside position above the railway viaduct opposite Pünderich, without road access and therefore without any mechanisation. The soil of soft, weathered red slate is light and permeable – ideal conditions for deep, undisturbed root growth. A terroir that shapes character rather than explaining it.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Exclusively grapes from vines of at least 70 years old in traditional single-stake training. Fermentation spontaneous in old Fuder barrel, followed by extended yeast contact – an ageing process that doesn’t force complexity but allows it to emerge. At 12.0 % vol., the wine remains lean and focused.

Food Recommendations

The saline minerality and vibrant acidity make this Riesling a versatile companion: smoked salmon with brown butter, Sevruga caviar and leek purée is a classic, almost irresistible pairing. Equally convincing: chanterelle and pear gratin with Taleggio cream and candied walnuts, which beautifully mirrors the wine’s fruity complexity. For something richer: veal cutlet with sweet potato, glazed beetroot and sage.

Special Features

A true long-distance runner. Open it today and you’ll get a magnificent wine – wait and you’ll be rewarded. At least five, preferably ten years of cellar ageing will transform this Rothenpfad into something extraordinary. Clemens Busch counts among the most consistent natural wine pioneers of the Mosel – and this wine is his proof.