Taste & Aging
Aromas
Food Pairing
Weedenborn Chardonnay Westhofen 2024
Ripe quince, subtle toast, and a wonderfully creamy texture give this Chardonnay a distinctly Burgundian character. Within Weedenborn’s village wines, Gesine Roll blends the chalky origins of Westhofen with her penchant for carefully measured oak. Extended lees contact provides the wine with its full mouthfeel, while a fresh, refined structure keeps the palate lively. A characterful white wine in which ripe fruit and understated oak spice integrate beautifully.
Vineyards and region
The slopes around Westhofen are part of the chalk-rich wine landscape of the Wonnegau.
-
Location / origin: The wine comes from Westhofen, in the south of the German wine region of Rheinhessen. It belongs to the "Ortsweine" (village wines) of Weedenborn: wines where the provenance from a single village is central.
-
Soil: Limestone, calcareous marl, and loam characterize the vineyards around Westhofen. The soil composition varies by slope and plot; clay and loam layers retain moisture, supporting water supply during drier periods.
-
Climate & influences: The higher-altitude wine landscape toward Monzernheim, the home of Weedenborn, benefits from cooling winds. The grapes ripen gradually here, which allows for aromatic development and the retention of natural freshness.
Vinification and maturation
Skin contact before pressing and a long maturation on the lees build aromatic intensity and texture.
-
Harvest & processing: The grapes are hand-picked, destemmed, and lightly crushed. Afterward, juice and skins remain in contact for about 18 hours before the must is pressed. This skin maceration helps release aromatic compounds from the grape skins.
-
Maturation / oak aging: The Chardonnay is aged in wooden barrels and remains in contact with the yeast lees for an extended period. This lees contact contributes to the soft, full mouthfeel, while barrel aging provides a subtle toasted and spicy frame. This gives the ripe fruit and texture time to form a cohesive whole.
Grape composition
The natural breadth of the grape forms a beautiful foundation for this full, dry style.
-
Chardonnay – Westhofen: Chardonnay brings ripe stone fruit and a smooth mouthfeel, with enough acidity to keep the flavor fresh. The grape also lends itself well to barrel aging and lees contact, allowing texture and fine spice to play an important role alongside the fruit.
Tasting notes and serving tips
The nose opens with ripe quince and pear, complemented by subtle toast and fine oak spice. The dry palate is full and juicy, with a creamy texture and a crisp structure. A lightly mineral impression adds extra refinement to the persistent finish.
-
Serving temperature: Serve at 10–12 °C in a spacious white wine glass, allowing the ripe fruit and soft oak notes to unfold while maintaining the fresh structure.
-
Food pairing: Pour alongside pan-fried cod with creamed leeks, roasted chicken with thyme, pumpkin and sage risotto, or a mushroom quiche. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with these soft, savory dishes.
Awards
Previous vintages of Chardonnay Westhofen received high praise for their combination of fruit, refinement, and structure.
-
James Suckling — 93 points — 2022 vintage: In September 2023, Stuart Pigott appreciated the flinty freshness, chalky nuances, and understated creaminess. A touch of butterscotch and candied lemon gave the long finish extra depth.
-
Falstaff — 92 points — 2023 vintage: In November 2024, Ulrich Sautter praised the refined bouquet of Nashi pear, apple, herbs, and ground almond. The juicy fruit, vibrant acidity, and harmonious, smooth structure were particularly notable.
-
Falstaff — 91+ points — 2023 vintage: In a follow-up assessment in November 2025, Ulrich Sautter emphasized nutty aromas, fine smoke, and pear, followed by fresh acidity, chalky spice, and a persistent finish.
More information about Weingut Weedenborn
Gesine Roll’s attention to detail was further shaped during her training at Bassermann-Jordan in the Pfalz. There, she worked with cellar master Uli Mell, who, like her, hails from Monzernheim and is known for his precise approach. A stint at Vergelegen in South Africa subsequently deepened her interest in French-inspired wine styles. Back at the family estate, she built upon the work of her father, Udo Mattern, charting her own course where refinement and carefully dosed oak take center stage. Alongside Weedenborn's Sauvignon Blanc expertise, Chardonnay holds a firm place. Falstaff distinguished her as Winemaker of the Year in the Weinguide Deutschland 2024.
Product details
| Alcohol content | 12.5% |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0.75L |
| Region | Rheinhessen |
| Land | Germany |
| Producer | Weedenborn |
| Varietal(s) | Chardonnay |
