Balthasar Ress Rüdesheim Berg Rottland Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2018

Description

The Berg Rottland Grand Cru vineyard is a steep site with a gradient of 33% on the western outskirts of Rüdesheim, near the Binger Loch. The name is derived from “reuten/rotten/roden”, which meant reclamation for viticultural use. The composition of the soil varies and is very rocky with portions of slate, quartzite and gravel, some of which are lightly covered with loess. Due to an optimal microclimate with high amounts of light and radiation, the grapes in Berg Rottland reach great maturity.

The grapes are harvested from the Berg Rottland vineyard by hand in several passes, to ensure optimal and consistent ripeness. Fermentation is largely spontaneous using natural yeasts from the vineyard, with ageing of the wine in stainless steel tanks and small oak barrels.

Bright gold in colour with a viscosity evident in the tears on the glass, this is decadent and richly layered on the nose, with aromas of dried apricot, candied orange peel, honeycomb and apple blossom. Rich and concentrated on the palate as well, tangy citrus marmalade with mango and baked apple, a steely minerality and fine acid frame carrying the flavours through to a quenching, slightly honeyed finish. It’s magnificent.