Königsbacher Ölberg-Hart Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021

Wine Description for Ölberg-Hart Königsbach Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021 from Christmann

Colour & Appearance

Brilliant platinum in the glass, clear and luminous – a Riesling that promises precision and concentration from the very first glance.

Nose

Positioned characteristically between its sister sites Idig and Vogelsang, the Ölberg-Hart presents itself darker and smokier. Verbena, mint and sedge grass meet limes, lemons and mirabelle plums. Beneath lurk graphite and limestone – a distinctly stony, mineral nose with more fruit than the Vogelsang, but less opulence than the Idig.

Palate

Here the full intensity of the terroir reveals itself: iodine notes, tart lemon and citrus zest dominate initially, accompanied by crushed stone and herbal notes. A subtle creaminess and fine extract sweetness allow the wine’s charm to flash briefly, before tension, grip and minerality take command. A wine of uncompromising linearity and high intensity.

Finish

Long, taut and marked by stony precision. The saline minerality resonates, carried by a vibrating acidity that will sustain this wine for years to come.

Terroir & Origin

The Hart forms the heart of the Ölberg site in Königsbach, surrounding the historic Ölberg-Wegkapelle. Classified as a VDP.Grosse Lage since 2013, the wine now benefits from older vines across the entire parcel. The soil of Tertiary calcareous marl (Terra fusca), mixed with Buntsandstein gravel, shapes the mineral, stony character of this exceptional Riesling.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling, maceration for several hours, spontaneously fermented at rather warm temperatures and matured in large Doppelstück casks. A vinification that lends the wine texture and depth without compromising its crystalline purity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Mirin-cured salmon with citrus and coriander, glazed Ibérico presa with sugar snap peas and Pimientos de Padrón or spinach and chanterelles with egg yolk and elderflower – dishes that echo the wine’s minerality and herbal spice.

Special Features

A Grosses Gewächs from Christmann that demands patience. The 2021 still shows itself reserved and needs time to unfold its full complexity. A Riesling for connoisseurs that will gain finesse in the years to come.