Königsbach Riesling 2020 – Christmann

The Königsbach Riesling VDP. Ortswein comes from younger parts of the VDP. Großer Lage Idig. In a first pass, the grapes, which are precocious at this time, are harvested for the VDP. Gutswein are harvested. In a second or third harvest, the grapes for this VDP. Ortswein, which thus has an even longer ripening period and can take advantage of the cool autumn climate to intensify the fruit without significantly increasing must weight and thus alcohol.

The Idig vineyard has a great history. As a court chamber estate of the Palatine electors, it is mentioned in documents as early as the 14th century. This explains the monopoly-like ownership of 4 hectares in the best location, which is absolutely unique in the Palatinate.

The vineyard slopes steeply to the south-southeast by Palatinate standards. At the same time, it is almost constantly slightly windy due to cooler air flowing down from the Palatinate Forest and the Klausental. The topsoil of the Idig is characterised by the countless limestones mixed with clay. After a depth of only one metre, pure Tertiary limestone is found, mixed with calcareous sands.

The grapes are selectively harvested by hand at low yields averaging 50 hl/ha and gently transported as whole bunches to the press house. After a not too long maceration period of 3-4 hours, the crushed grapes are gently and slowly pressed and only slightly pre-clarified by letting them settle. The wine then ferments spontaneously with the vineyard's own yeasts for several weeks. Unfined and untreated, the wine matures for a long time on its lees in stainless steel tanks and classic wooden barrels.

Brilliant golden yellow, with delicate green reflections.

The 2020 Königsbach Riesling VDP. Ortswein shows cool and mineral with stony notes intermixed with salt lemon, vineyard peach, wild herbs, apple and orange flesh. With a little oxygen, subtle wild raspberry notes and cassis join in. A Riesling that makes you want to taste it.

Juicy, precise and at peace with itself, it runs over the tongue, where it wins over the taster with its spiciness and salty impression. A Riesling made to accompany food and a wine that will reveal its complex structure even more in the coming months.