Last fall I reviewed a dry riesling from Louis Guntrum that I absolutely loved. It turns out they also make at least one absolutely stellar sweet riesling.
The Louis Guntrum vineyards are located in Rheinhessen, Germany. More specifically, the vineyards are in Nierstein right along the banks of the Rhine. An excellent climate for riesling. And while many American’s might expect riesling to be the most common grape planted in Rheinhessen, it’s actually in a close second place to Müller-Thurgau, which is used to make Rivaner — a wine I come across much less frequently than riesling.
You’ll notice that the wine is labeled as a “Spätlese” which translates to mean “late harvest.” While I love the detailed classifications found on German wines, it can be confusing for an average wine drinker to keep track of what it all means. I know I get confused at times. Spätlese is an indication of the ripeness of the grapes at the time of harvest and means that the grapes are fully ripe. Although they could be riper, in which case it would be classified as Auslese. Spätlese doesn’t necessarily mean the wine is sweet. It can be produced as a sweet wine or a dry wine. In either case, a Spätlese tends to have more intensity to the aromas and flavors than wines made with less ripened grapes, like a Kabinett.
This particular Spätlese is on the sweet side, with 4.5% residual sugar, but that sweetness is well balanced by really vibrant acidity. The nose exudes powerful orange blossom, honey and citrus aromas. And the floral aspect to the nose is incredible! The palate is also beautiful, bringing rich peach, tangerine, lychee, pear, lemon and honey. The complexity is off the charts and yet it’s all harmonious and elegant. The finish is incredibly long, with peach flavors mingling with floral notes that linger for ages. This is a fantastic wine.
Wine: Louis Guntrum Nierstein Rehbach, Riesling Spatlese
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 10%
Rating: 92
Price: $21.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
Find Louis Guntrum Nierstein Rehbach, Riesling Spatlese with Snooth
