Vinothek, Riesling trocken 2008

Wine Description for Vinothek Riesling Dry 2008 by Nikolaihof

Colour & Appearance

Deep, mature gold with amber-coloured reflexes – the colour of a wine that does not fear time, but regards it as an ally.

Nose

A fascinating aromatic world in which wax and liquorice take the lead, accompanied by earthy, stony notes and a hint of petrol, as befits a mature Wachau Riesling. In the background shimmer subtle tones of stone fruit and dried herbs. No loud, obtrusive fruit – instead a quiet, concentrated complexity.

Palate

From the first sip, a remarkable creaminess unfolds, held in check by a precise, vibrant acidity (6.3 g/l total acidity). The wine is dry, with barely perceptible residual sugar, and displays a mineral density that seems to come directly from the amphibolite and paragneiss soil. Phenolic texture lends it seriousness and depth, without ever feeling heavy. Juicy, clear and of impressive tension.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral and carried by a fine, all-pervasive acidity. The finish unfolds slowly and with dignity – stone, wax and a quiet spice linger for a long time. A finale that invites contemplation.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the historic vineyard site „Im Weingebirge“ in Mautern, Wachau – a place to which Saint Severin withdrew for prayer over 1,500 years ago. The soil of amphibolite, loess and paragneiss characterises this wine with an unmistakable mineral depth. The 2008 vintage, marked by a cool, damp autumn, produced lean, acid-driven qualities – ideal for long-term ageing.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling from older vines (southern part of the vineyard site). The wine rested for over 15 years on fine lees in wooden cask – an extraordinary patience that gives the wine a rare depth and texture. Bottled only in April 2024. 12.5 % vol., 1.0 g/l residual sugar.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A wine of this maturity and complexity deserves worthy accompaniment: aged Comté or mountain cheese, calf’s sweetbread with morels, pike-perch on root vegetables or simply a piece of good bread with butter – so as not to overpower any note.

Special Features

A wine that embodies the philosophy of Nikolaihof in its purest form: radical patience. Sixteen years in cask, then bottle – and the feeling that the wine is still at the beginning of its journey. For collectors and all those who understand that great wine knows no hurry.