Riesling Pettenthal Kabinett „S“ Grosse Lage 2017

Wine Description for Riesling Pettenthal Kabinett „S“ Grosse Lage 2017 by Schätzel

Colour & Appearance

Medium straw yellow with youthful freshness – a wine that already visually hints at its origins from one of Rheinhessen’s finest vineyard sites.

Nose

In its youth, the wine displays wild and exuberant character with notes typical of spontaneous fermentation: smoke and bacon – a temporary quirk that belongs to the signature of Schätzel’s age-worthy wines. Behind this reveals itself an exceptionally clear, precise bouquet: citrus fruits, white and red currants, crisp stone fruit with skin, herbs and a pronounced minerality from the Rotliegendes of Pettenthal.

Palate

Here the true greatness of this Kabinett reveals itself. With 11% acidity, 42 grams of residual sugar and just 7.5% alcohol combined with a very low pH value, Kai Schätzel achieves a balance that is virtually unique in Germany. The wine possesses the depth and complexity of his great dry vineyard site wines, yet plays a constant, fascinating interplay between sweet and sour, light and dark, complex and light-footed. Currently still slightly veiled behind a silk scarf of phenolics and spice, yet the pressure on the palate is already present.

Finish

Impressively long with the purist straightforwardness that characterises Pettenthal. The acidity carries far without ever becoming aggressive.

Terroir & Origin

From the finest parcels of the Grosse Lage Pettenthal in Nierstein, Rheinhessen. The grapes come from the best vines and were selected through up to six harvest passes – picked early yet physiologically ripe.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Riesling, spontaneously fermented. For Kai Schätzel, his Kabinett Rieslings are the new Grosse Gewächse – wines with greater drinkability whilst maintaining equal complexity and depth. The „S“ stands for Selection and marks his new flagship in the Kabinett segment.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Peking duck, suckling pig knuckle with dashi, ginger and karashi mustard, maki with avocado, cucumber and sweet potato – the sweet-acid dynamics harmonise perfectly with Asian-inspired flavours.

Special Characteristics

Not a wine for immediate consumption, but conceived for patience and maturation. A Kabinett with the ambition and age-worthiness of a Grosse Gewächs – a statement for the renaissance of this underestimated category.