We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
About This Wine
The Hakenheim Riesling, dry from Gunderloch, is created from the grapes from the first vineyards of Hakenheim Rothenbeg. Thanks to the delicate aging in wooden barrels, the Hakenheimer Riesling has a pleasant structure. On the palate it is invigorating and long-lasting, with a well-integrated acidity and fruity residual sweetness. The very mineral soil ensures a Riesling full of fruity elegance and the racy acidity typical of the grape variety. A serious, sophisticated Riesling, gripping and complex. It is classified as a VDP wine and is one of the best wines in Germany, not least because of its focus on origin.
Type | White Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Riesling |
Country | Germany |
Region | Rheinhessen |
Brand | Gunderloch |
Vintage | 2021 |
About German Wines
Germany is the world’s northernmost fine wine producing region and thus requires its vines to endure some of the coldest temperatures. Fortunately, the country’s star variety, Riesling, does well in cooler climates and can survive even these freezing winters.
Germany Riesling is classified by ripeness at harvest which is also used to indicate the wine’s level of residual sugar. Picking earlier means the grapes have less time to ripen and the corresponding wines will be on the drier side; while picking later gives the grapes the opportunity full ripen and produce a lusciously sweet Riesling. The classifications from driest to sweetest: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein (ice wine). While not as common to age white wines outside of Chardonnay, top tier German Rieslings can be aged for decades.
Other notable white grape varieties produced in Germany include Müller-Thurgau (a cross between Riesling and Madelaine Royale in the search for varieties that could withstand the extreme temperatures), Grauburguner (Pinot Gris) and Weissburguner (Pinot Blanc). The cooler German climate leads to earlier harvesting in general and gives German wines a distinctive character of higher acidity.
Historically red wine has always been harder to produce in the German climate. However, Pinot Noir grown in slightly warmer pockets of the country, has been highly successful in recent times. Going by the German name, Spätburgunder, German Pinot Noir can be elegant, structured and have vibrant acidity.