Riesling „Im Sonnenschein“ GG 2023

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

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with brilliant clarity – a classic appearance for a young Palatinate Riesling of this quality.

Nose

Surprisingly herbal and mineral for a 2023: apple skins and grapefruit zest dominate initially, underpinned by nutty notes and ripe lemon. Behind this unfolds a fascinating minerality of crushed limestone, oyster shell and iodine. The warmer side reveals itself in mirabelle plum and a hint of mango – an intriguing duality between coolness and ripeness.

Palate

Here the true nature of this Grand Cru reveals itself: energetic acidity that cuts through the pale fruit with crystalline precision. Initially herbal and saline, then the shell limestone unfolds its binding power – minerality meets fine creaminess. A juicy yet also tobacco and herbal Riesling with phenolic structure, chalky coolness and prickling minerality. The balance of juice and salt is masterful.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral with sustained freshness. The limestone minerality resonates and leaves a cool, precise impression.

Terroir & Origin

The Siebeldingen vineyard site Im Sonnenschein is a special location at the Haardt ridge: south-facing in the Queich valley (160-250m elevation, 5-20% slope), whilst most vineyards are oriented eastwards. The shell limestone soil from the Triassic fundamentally shapes the character of this Riesling and gives it its distinctive mineral signature.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling, after destemming 24 hours of skin contact. Maturation in stainless steel with six months of lees ageing – a classic, terroir-focused vinification that gives pride of place to the limestone.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Oysters and seafood are the obvious choice. Equally excellent with sushi, scallops, pike-perch with herb butter or goat’s cheese. The phenolic structure also pairs well with roasted poultry with lemon.

Special Characteristics

A Grand Cru that in 2023 takes on the more herbal, tonic role in the Rebholz portfolio – a mineral counterpoint with enormous ageing potential. The southern exposure combined with cool limestone minerality yields a Riesling of rare tension.