Maximin Grunhaus Single Vineyard Abtsberg Grosses Gewachs Mosel Riesling 2021
Maximin Grünhaus Single Vineyard Abtsberg Grosses Gewachs Mosel Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany
Vintage: 2021
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Riesling
ABV: 12%
This wine displays intense aromas of ripe apricot, peach and yellow apples. Nuances of wet stone, almond cream, herbs and white flowers showcase the complexity of this Riesling, with hints of peppermint candy and woodruff giving it its unique character. On the palate, ripe fruit characters are in perfect balance with a vibrant acidity; melon, orange zest and William pears marry with notes of lemon balm and some saltiness. The mouthfeel is creamy and textured, with a lasting juiciness that lingers on the finish.
The Abtsberg vineyard is classified as a VDP.Grosse Lage, designating it as one of the best in Germany which produce wines particularly expressive of their site and with exceptional ageing potential. The Abtsberg is the most famous and steepest vineyard of the estate, grown on soils composed of blue Devonian slate. The hillside runs south-east to south-west, achieving a gradient of up to 70% which requires laborious hand harvesting. The Abtsberg is located directly outside the castle Maximin Grünhaus and wines harvested from this vineyard are among the longest-lived Rieslings of the region.
Grosses Gewächs is the term for the highest quality dry wines produced at a Grosse Lage (top classified) vineyard. The best grapes from the Abtsberg vineyard were carefully picked and selected by hand. As the cellar is situated minutes from the vineyards, the grapes were quickly pressed in a pneumatic press in order to retain their aromatic and fresh fruit characters. The must was then fermented with indigenous yeasts in Fuders, classic Mosel 1,000-litre oak casks made from wood sourced from the estate’s own Grünhäuser forest by local coopers.
Located on steep, south-facing slopes two kilometres from where the river Ruwer meets the Mosel, the estate of Maximin Grünhaus has a history of viticulture that dates back to Roman times. It takes its name from the Abbey of Saint Maximin, a Benedictine monastery which owned the land from the 7th to the 18th century. Passing into French administration under Napoleon and then eventually to the von Schubert family in the late 19th century, the estate is now overseen by sixth-generation family member Maximin Von Schubert, who took over from his father Carl Von Schubert in 2014.