Weingut Keller Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling Auslese 2017

Weingut Keller Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling Auslese 2017

Weingut Keller Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling Auslese 2017 is one of Rheinhessen's great sweet wines. Done by Klaus-Peter Keller, one of Germany's most respected names, it comes from the steep Kirchspiel vineyard, with its limestone soils, famous for the finesse and minerality of its Rieslings. This sweet and delicate Auslese shows the hedonistic side of the Keller house, highly sought after by collectors around the world. In 2017, the weather brought frost and hail, drastically reducing production but concentrating acidity and aromatic purity. The result was Rieslings with enormous freshness, moderate alcohol and great intensity, perfect for long-aging Auslese styles.

Vinification: Late harvest manual picking, with rigorous selection of partially botrytised bunches and berries. In the winery, the philosophy is one of minimal intervention: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and long ageing in large used oak and/or stainless steel vats, preserving the natural residual sugar and the crystalline expression of the Kirchspiel terroir.

Tasting notes: Bright golden colour. On the nose, ripe stone fruit (peach, apricot), baked apple, citrus notes, a touch of honey and a subtle hint of menthol, all supported by marked limestone minerality. On the palate, very sweet but incredibly balanced: electric acidity, creamy texture and a long, salty and chalky finish that invites another sip.

Grape varieties: 100% Riesling