Riesling Schlehdorn PJK.Unikat 2020 1500ml Magnum

Wine description for Riesling Schlehdorn PJK.Unikat 2020 1500ml Magnum by Peter Jakob Kühn

Character

Peter Jakob Kühn is among the biodynamic pioneers of the Rheingau and has been vinifying according to Demeter standards for decades. The Schlehdorn from the PJK.Unikat line represents his uncompromising philosophy: minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation and deliberate avoidance of fining. The magnum bottle underscores the ageing potential of this wine, which requires time to unfold its full complexity. With moderate alcohol content and a dry style, this Riesling embodies the purist signature of the estate.

Terroir & Origin

The Rheingau ranks among Germany’s classic Riesling regions, characterised by steep south-facing slopes towards the Rhine and heat-retaining slate soils and quartz weathering. The microclimate between the Taunus and the river creates ideal conditions for Riesling with tension and minerality. Kühn’s vineyards in Oestrich have been managed biodynamically for generations, resulting in living soils and deeply rooted vines. The 2020 vintage produced concentrated yet balanced wines in the Rheingau despite drought conditions, with pronounced acidity structure.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling in its most purist form: for Kühn, this means hand-harvesting, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts and maturation in traditional wooden casks. The Unikat line deliberately forgoes any filtration and fining, which lends the wines additional texture and depth. The moderate alcohol content of 12.5% vol. and the dry orientation emphasise precision and drinkability rather than opulent fruit. This vinification approach gives terroir pride of place and creates wines that recall Burgundian philosophy more than conventional German Riesling production.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A Riesling of this style calls for refined cuisine with clear flavours: oysters, raw fish or scallops harmonise beautifully with the saline minerality. Pan-fried turbot with brown butter or sweetbreads with lemon also find a congenial partner here. Vegetarian dishes shine with this wine: asparagus, artichokes or a mature Comté cheese. The magnum bottle makes it an ideal companion for extended tasting menus.