Weingut Schatzel Riesling Kabinett Nierstein 2018

The Schätzel family has been producing wine since 1350, making them the oldest winemaking family in the Rheinhessen, which sits in a loop of the River Rhein near Mainz. Kai Schätzel took over his family’s 10 hectare estate in 2008, made up mostly with Riesling planted on the red slate soils around the town of Nierstein He set about transforming it to organic and biodynamic farming. Being hands on in the vineyards he picks when there is less sugar in the grapes meaning less alcohol and a higher acidity level, which stabilizes the ageing process and delivers a refreshing drinking pleasure. Kai hand picks and carefully select the grapes, crushing them by foot and taking the juice to his 800-year-old cellar, where they ferment with wild yeasts in large oak barrels, 600-1200l, some of which are up to 50 year’s old, Kai knows from experience that different vineyards wines ferment better in different casks in either the  warmer or cooler parts of his cellar, they ferment for between 2-3 months until most of the natural sugar has turned to alcohol. This dedication shines out in his wines which are some of the very best on the market.

The Kabinett range are Kai ‘s particular specialty, making them from each of his single vineyards, though this one is a blend of the ones around the town of Nierstein. This is delicious, yellow plums with green apples and limes and a hints of beeswax and kerosene. With a powerful complex juicy palate, the honeyed, red apple sweetness is counterbalanced by pinprick acidity, and minerality and is long and harmonious. Top draw Riesling!