The Wittmann family behind this wine has a history of wine production in southern Rheinhessen, Germany that goes back to before the United States has been a country! Way before! The first record of winemaking in their family dates back to 1663!
It’s not uncommon to find families with a long history of winemaking in Europe. But it’s still kind of mind boggling when you think about all that tradition being maintained through so many generations.
While the tradition of winemaking had a long history within this family, the techniques have changed over the years. In 1990 they began transforming their vineyards from conventional practices (i.e. using chemical pesticides) to what they call “controlled ecological viticulture,” which is a long way of saying “organic.” They’ve been a member of the Naturland organic farmer’s association ever since. And they’ve been practicing biodynamic viticulture since 2004.
I love that they use environmentally-friendly practices, but as I always say the proof of the wine is in the tasting. And this wine delivers there too!
I love this style of riesling. It offers honeysuckle, lemon, lime and a touch of petrol on the nose. The palate is dry (trocken) with subtle flavors such as apple, lime and mineral. The acidity is sufficient, although a touch more would be even better. The finish is relatively long with flavors such as granny smith apple, pear and wet stones.
Although it’s slightly above our typical target price range, this is a very tasty riesling.
Wine: Wittmann
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 89
Price: $24.99
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
Find Wittmann Trocken Riesling with Snooth