Riesling Kirchenstück Grosses Gewächs 2019 – Battenfeld-Spanier

The church piece was already mentioned in documents before the 30-year war. Situated at 150m above sea level with a gentle 15% slope, the overlay consists of soft calcareous stone, so that the vines have an excellent supply of nutrients despite the extremely calcareous subsoil. Characterized by its opulent fruit, the Kirchenstück is accessible in its youth without compromising its great ripening potential. The low yields produce highly concentrated musts. The wines of the Kirchenstück are fermented spontaneously by hand after strict selection and aged in wooden barrels.

Color 

Bright straw yellow, bright and clear.

Nose

The nose of the 2019 Kirchenstück Riesling Großes Gewächs from Battenfeld Spanier oscillates between rich fruit and distinctive herbal spice. Bach mint, thyme and savory combine with black cardamom to create an herbaceous, dark aroma that is complemented by succinct yellow-fruited to red-tinged flavors. Citrus zest of tangerines and lemons, fully ripe yellow apples and quinces and some nectarine are primed by limestone and wet chalk. Mouthwatering, the nose announces a fruity joyful sip.

Mouth

On the palate, the Kirchenstück starts out fruit-forward with clear citrus aromatics. Lemon oil and yellow stone fruit make the rich start before the feel defines the sip. Grippy with a chalky foundation, the fine-grained phenolics have a mouthwatering effect and are fueled by the youthful yet fully ripe acidic nerve. With decent beats per minute, this is as propulsive as a Sunday after-hours, boisterous yet confident and unflinching. Aromatically, the nose is mirrored on the palate, with the church piece meanwhile still seeming a little closed. Mineral underpinnings flow straight into the citrusy, salty tart finish with herbaceous spice. Long distance dancer!