Riesling Eitelsbacher Alte Reben trocken VDP Ortwein 2021

The Karthäuserhof is a magical place. And not primarily because of its idyllic location. It is the eighth oldest vineyard in the world and has been the cradle of world-famous Rieslings for centuries. It was founded in 1335 by Carthusian monks, who received the estate as a gift from Elector Balduin of Luxembourg and ran it as a winery until secularisation. The Karthäuserhof has been privately owned by the same family since 1811.

The Karthäuserhofberg monopole vineyard covers almost 20 hectares and faces south-south-west. It lies at an altitude of up to 254 metres above sea level and has a slope gradient of up to 55% in the steepest parcels. The microclimate just before the Ruwer flows into the Moselle and the soil characterised by pink-copper-coloured Devonian clay slate have shaped the Rieslings from here for decades.

In 2021, no Großes Gewächs was bottled from this renowned vineyard. Accordingly, all of the grape material destined for the dry Groß Gewächs was channelled into this wine. The monopole vineyard is based on Devonian slate and has an iron vein running through it. The grapes all come from vines that are at least 45 years old.

A winegrower from Rheinhessen who is known far beyond the region's borders has named the Karthäuserhofberg vineyard as one of the best terroirs in Germany's top 5.

The old vines from 2021 stand on a slender footing. 11% vol. are offset by just 2.7g/l residual sugar. 2021 stands for a taut, cool year and so the acidity counteracts these values with a sporty 8.0g/litre. But don't worry, plenty of extract and a very balanced mouthfeel speak for themselves.

It matures on the lees for eight months until bottling.

Bright straw yellow, with light, almost greenish reflections

The nose speaks volumes. Pure Ruwer. Racy, cool and unique, this extreme year, which made young winegrowers think of their grandfathers' stories from the 1970s, will go down in history. The Riesling smells wonderfully clear and restrained from the glass. The slate flavour is unstoppable. Earthy, with plenty of nuances of wet stones and some cold smoke, it knows how to convince. The fruit is delicate and spicy. A little peach, some lime and the finest Nashi pear. All restrained and discreet. In culinary terms, one would speak of Japanese elegance. The flavours of the local herbs are also subtle and delicate. Lemon balm, lemon thyme and sorrel can be found here.

However, it shines above all with its clarity. Clear as a mountain stream, it flows coldly over the palate. Compact, dark and dense. Light-footed and extremely slender. The flavours of the nose come into their own again. Above all, it benefits from its ethereal freshness, which now also brings out eucalyptus and mint. Despite the hard facts, it is gentle and delicate when analysed. It knows how to win over the long haul, but even today, at such a young stage, it is an enrichment. A fine vegetal nuance is reminiscent of peas and fennel. This has an enriching and complex effect on the finish.