Riesling “Im Sonnenschein” GG 2023

Wine Description for Riesling “Im Sonnenschein” GG 2023 by Ökonomierat Rebholz

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with a clear, luminous shine – a wine that already promises tension and precision on the eye.

Nose

The nose presents itself herbal and tonic, almost provocatively cool: apple skins and grapefruit zest meet ripe lemon and a fine nuttiness. Beneath lies a striking minerality from crushed limestone, oyster shell and a hint of iodine. Only on second inspection do more delicate, southern accents reveal themselves – mirabelle plum and a touch of mango – which lend the wine depth and complexity without breaking its cool austerity.

Palate

On the palate, Im Sonnenschein unfolds impressive energy: the acidity is extremely precise and crystal-clear, cutting like a scalpel through the pale fruit. Yet the wine never becomes angular – the shell limestone provides a fine creaminess that elegantly combines power and minerality. Saline, juicy, with phenolic substance and a tobacco-herbal undertone – this is no crowd-pleasing Riesling, but a serious, characterful wine of vibrant vitality.

Finish

Long, precise and marked by a chalky coolness. The minerality lingers, accompanied by a persistent saline impression and citrus-fresh brightness. A finish that invites contemplation.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Im Sonnenschein in Siebeldingen is a distinctive location on the Haardt ridge: south-facing in the Queich valley, at 160 to 250 metres elevation with slopes of 5 to 20 %. The soil of Triassic shell limestone is the true soul of this wine – it delivers that striking minerality and saline tension that make the wine so unmistakable.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Riesling, vinified with the greatest care: After destemming and a 24-hour skin contact period – which gives the wine its phenolic texture and depth – fermentation took place following natural sedimentation in stainless steel. Six months ageing on the fine lees give the wine its creamy substance and complexity.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A wine that demands to be paired with food: oysters and seafood are the classic answer to its iodine-tinged minerality. Equally convincing with grilled pike-perch with herb butter, sashimi or a goat’s cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette. For the adventurous: also a compelling companion to Asian dishes with lemongrass and ginger.

Special Features

In the 2023 vintage, Im Sonnenschein and Ganz Horn swap roles according to the winery – the Im Sonnenschein takes on the part of the more austere, more mineral, more tonic Riesling this year. A rare testament to how alive and unpredictable great terroirs can be. Großes Gewächs with genuine ageing potential.