Maximin Grunhaus Single Vineyard Abtsberg Grosse Lage Superior Mosel Riesling 2021
Maximin Grünhaus Single Vineyard Abtsberg Grosse Lage Superior Mosel Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany
Vintage: 2021
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Riesling
ABV: 11%
Concentrated and intense, this Riesling opens with vibrant aromas of apricot, yellow plum and honeysuckle. On the palate, crystalline acidity is tempered by a touch of residual sugar and notes of ripe nectarine and wet stone.
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.
The estate’s cellar was built to ensure the grapes’ journey from the vineyard to press was as short as possible – usually little more than a few minutes. The grapes were pressed before the must was brought to the ideal fermentation temperature. Fermentation took place in a combination of traditional oak Fuder and small stainless steel tanks using natural yeasts.
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.