Zöbinger Alte Reben 2017

The fruit comes from vineyards in Zöbingen, which are characterised by primary rock as well as loess soils. In addition to the dominant Grüner Veltliner, the cuvée contains Riesling, Sauvignon blanc and Welschriesling. After the selective hand harvest in 20-kilo crates on 19 September 2017, the grapes were crushed and slowly pressed after a maceration period of twelve hours. Spontaneous fermentation in steel tanks and in large wooden barrels at 20 to 22 °C. The wine was matured in stainless steel and wooden barrels for two months on the full lees and then again for three months on the fine lees.

medium golden yellow

With this quite unusual Cuvée one has fast the impression that this big whole is more than only the individual parts together. Zöbinger Old Vines is an impressively coherent spicy wine, which reminds of white flowers as well as of dry herbs, red Kampot pepper, ginger and grasses. The fruit includes yellow apples, a little peach and apricot, but also grapefruit and kumquats including their peels.

On the palate, the cuvée is almost lean, yet it is multilayered and memorable. Above all, the white wine is juicy and zesty with this blend of ripe yellow stone fruit, stone fruit, melon and the citrus fruits accompanied by grassy cereal notes that seem to provide a smooth texture on the palate at the same time. Wonderful here is the piquancy of grapefruit peel and pepper that meets on the finish with a salty stony and iodine note that is complemented by a tiny bit of bacon fat. This is complex yet feels so light and floaty. Delightful!