Information about the terroir
The first plot "aufm Berg" in the Im Sonnenschein vineyard in Siebeldingen was planted in 1988 as a trial for the suitability of the Chardonnay variety in comparison to the local Pinot Blanc, with half of each variety planted. This vineyard is therefore still the oldest official Chardonnay vineyard in Rhineland-Palatinate. As the R CHARDONNAY was extremely successful from the outset and the winery was and is very convinced of the future and the great potential of the variety, further vineyards were planted with it from 1993. Today, 12.5 % of the total vineyards, i.e. 3 hectares, are planted with Chardonnay. The Chardonnay vines grow exclusively on calcareous soils.
Information on the expansion
The grapes are harvested by hand, then destemmed, crushed and gently juiced after a 24-hour maceration period. Fermentation takes place in typical Burgundian pièces, some of which are new, made from French and Palatinate oak. This creates an ageing style that gives the wine character, finesse and a long ageing potential. From the very beginning, Chardonnay has only been matured in these barriques at the winery. An experiment, also with Palatinate oak, that has long been a success.
Color
Sparkling golden yellow.
Nose
The 2022 Chardonnay "R" is a complex and expressive wine that is still somewhat closed when freshly opened. With the necessary oxygen, it reveals all its finesse. Delicate smoky notes and fine leather combine with citrus fruit, pear and apple. Its cool minerality is extremely enticing and heralds a lively yet expressive wine with a Burgundian character.
Palate
Once on the palate, it fascinates with freshness, salty notes, plenty of minerality and fine fruit. It challenges the palate in a pleasant way, especially with its fine use of wood perfectly integrated into its fruit and the stimulating finish. A wonderful Chardonnay that sets standards with its profound and multi-layered structure, a true masterpiece with plenty of facets and power. The cuisine that accompanies it should be just as complex and multi-faceted as the wine itself.
If you want to enjoy it now, you should decant it and not drink it too cold from large Burgundy glasses.
Food recommendations by Christina Hilker
- Wakame salad with oranges and roasted macadamia nuts
- Lemon risotto with thyme and grilled lobster
- Bresse poularde from the salt dough with kumquat relish and black pasta
| Allergens | Contains sulfur |
|---|---|
| Winemaker | Ökonomierat Rebholz |
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Palatinate |
| Vintage | |
| Variety | |
| Content | |
| Alcohol content | |
| Residual sweetness | ■□□□□ |
| Drinking temperature | 11° |
| Manufacturer | Winery Ökonomierat Rebholz KG, Weinstraße 54, 76833 Siebeldingen / Germany, organic certificate: DE-Öko-003 |
