Schloss Johannisberg – Riesling Feinherb ‘Yellow Seal’ – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
The legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history. The vineyards were planted on the orders of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne. Planted solely with Riesling grapes in 1720, Schloss Johannisberg was the world’s first Riesling Estate and plays a significant part in wine history. It was here in 1775 that the Spätlese quality was discovered using late picked grapes suffering from “noble rot”. Following this discovery, in 1787 the estate gave Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese to the wine world. Schloss Johannisberg is a single vineyard designation in its own right and one of a handful of German vineyards that does not have to display a village name on the label.

VINEYARD:
The grapes come from the single vineyard of Schloss Johannisberg. The south facing vineyard is steep, with a 45° gradient and is situated at between 114 metres to 181 metres above sea level. The forest on the top of the Taunus Mountains protects the vineyard from cold winds from the north. To the south, the River Rhine gently flows in front of the estate, in the foothills of the vineyard. The 50° parallel runs directly through the vineyard and the unique soils of Taunus quartz, topped with loam and rich loess retains moisture and heat, encouraging the vines to ripen. This soil formation imparts the classic mineral characteristic which is evident in this wine. The vineyard is cultivated manually and the harvest takes place by hand.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were carefully selected and then pressed in whole clusters. 85% underwent a slow, long and cool fermentation with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks preserving the varietal characteristics of Riesling and the terroir from which it hails. 15% was fermented in 1,200 litre wooden barrels, made from “Schloss Johannisberg” oaks from the estate.

TASTING NOTE:
A fragrant, fruity bouquet of grapefruit, apple and lychee with hints of fresh grass characterise this fine, off dry Riesling. Beautifully balanced, with a full bodied texture and a creamy finish. Classic and vibrant German Riesling.

GRAPE:
Riesling 100%.

COUNTRY:
Germany

REGION:
Rheingau

SUB-REGION:
Schloss Johannisberg