Steiner Silvaner 20-23

Wine Description for Steiner Silvaner 20-23 by Schätzel

Colour & Appearance

Luminous golden yellow with bright reflections, slightly naturally cloudy – a sign of the unfiltered, artisanal approach.

Nose

An aromatic kaleidoscope of remarkable complexity. Intense chamomile dominates initially like a fresh herbal infusion, accompanied by anise, fennel green and artichoke – a fascinating vegetable signature. Beneath shimmer ripe mirabelle plums and apricots, whilst allspice, cinnamon, clove and white pepper provide spicy depth. Sage, thyme and mint lend Mediterranean freshness, rounded off by a bready note of sourdough crumble.

Palate

Powerful and energetic, this Silvaner charges forth – not heavy, but with impressive acidity pressure and mineral grip. Purist, almost austere in its directness, yet possessed of rich density and irresistible drinkability. Orange blossom and mandarin peel unfold on the palate and linger for minutes in the cheeks – invigorating, intoxicating, of great presence.

Finish

Long, taut and characterised by vibrant minerality. The floral and herbal notes resonate, carried by a salty freshness that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from ungrafted vines on the legendary Rothenberg in Nackenheim as well as from the Hipping vineyard site. Steep to very steep slopes on Rotliegendes, that characteristic red sandstone of the Rhine. The grapes ripen preferentially in the shade – a deliberate choice for finesse over opulence.

Grape Variety & Vinification

The first release from Schätzel’s Silvaner Solera: 25% vintage 2020, 25% 2021, 15% 2022 and 35% 2023. Following hand-harvesting, the grapes are foot-trodden and cold macerated for 36 hours. Spontaneous fermentation and malolactic conversion in a 1200-litre oak barrel, followed by ageing under flor yeast in the Solera system – averaging 30 months. A wine that honours time and patience.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This characterful Silvaner demands equally distinctive dishes: pan-fried monkfish with fennel, calf’s sweetbreads with morels, artichoke risotto, goat’s cheese of medium maturity or truffle mushroom ragout. Also an exciting pairing with oysters or scallops with herb butter.

Special Features

The maiden wine from Schätzel’s Solera experiment – a bold, uncompromising statement for the future of German Silvaner. Artisanally perfect, intellectually challenging, emotionally moving.