Weingut Keller Westhofener Brunnenhauschen Abts Erde Riesling Auslese 2017

Weingut Keller Westhofener Brunnenhauschen Abts Erde Riesling Auslese 2017

Weingut Keller Westhofener Brunnenhauschen Abts Erde Riesling Auslese 2017 is one of Klaus-Peter Keller's great sweet wines, an absolute benchmark in Rheinhessen. It comes from the Abts Erde plot, a “filet” within the Brunnenhäuschen hillside, famous since the Middle Ages for its limestone soils and the elegance of the Rieslings produced there. 2017 brought frost and very low yields, but grapes of enormous concentration, vibrant acidity and perfect ripeness for long-aging Auslese styles. Keller compares the profile to mythical vintages, due to the combination of richness, extraction and freshness.

Vinification: Manual harvest and late harvest in the highest and stoniest plots of Abts Erde, 25% of the grapes affected by noble Botrytis. Gentle pressing and slow fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and large used vats, leaving natural residual sugar. The aim is to achieve a delicate balance between sweetness, sharp acidity and the mineral expression of the limestone.

Tasting notes: Bright golden colour. Intense and very precise aroma, with notes of mirabelle plum, quince, white raisin, yellow plum, honey, citrus blossom and violet, against a clear backdrop of limestone. On the palate, it is silky, almost oily, full of stewed and dried fruit, but enlivened by electric acidity, hints of ginger and lime zest. Finish is long, light, salty and perfectly balanced.

Grape varieties: 100% Riesling