Weinstock Alte Reben 2020

The old vines for the Welschriesling vine come from the Riede Zieregg in a sub-parcel called Steinbruch. The vines, which are on average 40 years old, stand there on coral limestone with an overlay of brown earth in a southern exposure with a slope of 40-50% at 430-460 metres above sea level. Harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously, the wine matured for 24 months in small, used barrels on the fine lees until it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. The Welschriesling vine has considerable ageing potential.

Light straw yellow with green reflections.

The nose of the 2020 Weinstock Welschriesling Alte Reben from Weingut Tement is remarkable and shows the potential of the grape variety away from the fresh fizz. Dense and concentrated, it is currently a little mouthy and only tells of apple peel, pome fruit, cider fruit and nut shells in a quiet but calm voice after sufficient aeration. On top of that lie tart herbal notes, hop shoots and pea pods, all drawn with a sharp pencil, more of a sketch than a finished image of its still youthful, undeveloped potential.

On the nose, it oscillates between juicy fruit and its super sinewy, taut structure, which literally whips it across the palate so that it just pops. Citrus, salt and iodine set the pace, followed by white-fleshed fruit, white nectarine, white currants and apple skin. Slightly tart with gently animating astringency, the palate is full of vibration with vibrant acidity and a long, saline finish.