Riesling Pettenthal Kabinett Grosse Lage Versteigerung-Wein 2016

Wine Description for Riesling Pettenthal Kabinett Grosse Lage Auction Wine 2016 from Schätzel

Colour & Appearance

Pale platinum yellow in the glass – a visual promise of elegance and finesse.

Nose

Anyone expecting a Mosel Kabinett will be pleasantly surprised. Kai Schätzel’s Pettenthal presents itself distinctive and unique: apple and apple must dominate, flanked by citrus fruits and flint. These are joined by a hint of petrol, damp stone dust and yeasty notes – an aromatic profile that stands apart from everything else the Rhine front has to offer in Kabinett.

Palate

This is no wine for superficial enjoyment. Schätzel delivers here a wine of structure and texture of impressive clarity. The paradox succeeds effortlessly: playful lightness meets great seriousness. Ostensibly pale with stone fruit and citrus, an underlying dark, mysterious earthy minerality unfolds. The fine acidity balances the residual sweetness perfectly, whilst a characteristically saline note together with the vibrant acidity creates that sense of minerality which distinguishes great Rieslings. Powerful, juicy, elegant – and at only 7.5% alcohol a masterpiece of precision.

Finish

Long, mineral-saline, with lingering freshness. The wine positively vibrates on the palate afterwards.

Terroir & Origin

The Pettenthal ranks among the great vineyard sites of Rheinhessen. The Rotliegend soils with their characteristic red sandstone and porphyry fundamentally shape this wine and lend it its distinctive earthy minerality.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Langoustine with apple ice wine foam and chicory, grilled chicken with lemongrass, fennel and ginger or quails in olive oil and ras-el-hanout – the wine pairs well with both delicate seafood and spiced poultry dishes.

Special Features

An auction wine that is still very young and really deserves a few years of cellar ageing. Those drinking it now should decant generously – or better yet: exercise patience.