The legendary Schloss Johannisberg is a castle and winery in the village of Johannisberg, west of Wiesbaden, Hesse, in the Rheingau wine-growing region of Germany. Steeped in history, the vineyards were planted at the behest of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne.
Planted exclusively with Riesling grapes in 1720, Schloss Johannisberg was the world's first Riesling estate and plays a significant role in wine history. It was here in 1775 that Spätlese quality was discovered, using late-harvested grapes suffering from "noble rot." Following this discovery, the estate released Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese to the wine world in 1787.
The winery covers fifty hectares, facing due south. It's a quartzite hillside in the Taunus Mountains. With a slope of 45 degrees, the hill rises to 182 meters above sea level, offering the grapes perfect sunshine. The Schloss Johannisberg vineyard is located precisely on the 50th parallel north. The large temperature differences between day and night are particularly beneficial for developing the grapes' aromatic and flavor components.
The grapes for this wine were hand-picked at peak ripeness and pressed in whole bunches. Fermentation took place in 1,200-liter old oak barrels made of Schloss Johannisberg oak for six weeks. The wine was then aged on its fine lees for seven months, adding complexity and weight to the wine.
This Riesling is lemon yellow in color, and upon pouring, you immediately notice the complex aromas of soft apricot, pear, white floral notes, a hint of smoky minerality, and an elegant spice in the background. On the palate, it seduces with intensity, beautiful fruit nuances, fresh, sharp acidity, good balance, and excellent length. Delicious with dishes featuring white meat, fish, and seafood, such as tender poached veal fillet on porcini mushrooms with mashed potatoes.
