Taste & Aging
Aromas
Food Pairing
Weedenborn Sauvignon Blanc Terra Rossa 2024
Grapefruit, fresh mint, and a hint of smoke set the tone for a Sauvignon Blanc with remarkably high structure. The red loam of the Westhofener Steingrube gives Terra Rossa its name; Gesine Roll opts for a long aging process that gives the fruit more depth and cohesion. The 2024 combines a fresh, refined style with juicy fruit richness and a beautifully persistent, herbal finish. A white wine full of character in which the unique origin is at least as important as the recognizable grape aromas.
Vineyards and region
The limestone-rich soils of the Wonnegau form the basis for this distinctive village wine.
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Location / origin: The grapes come from the heart of the Westhofener Steingrube, near Westhofen in the German wine region of Rheinhessen. Terra Rossa belongs to the "Ortsweine" (village wines) of Weedenborn: wines where the origin from a specific village is central.
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Soil: The selected plots are situated on terra rossa, a red, calcareous clay loam. This soil was formed by the weathering of old limestone-rich marine deposits and has excellent water-retention properties. Within the Steingrube, limestone rocks with a thin layer of sandy loam are also found.
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Vineyard history: Steingrube was already mentioned in 1295 as 'dicto stheingrube'. The name refers to a former stone quarry, thus connecting directly to the limestone-rich geology of this vineyard.
Vinification and aging
Protective handling of the grapes and long-term yeast contact combine aromatic freshness with extra texture.
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Harvest & selection: The grapes are hand-picked and processed with dry ice. The resulting carbon dioxide helps protect the must from oxygen, ensuring that the fresh fruit and herbal aromas are preserved during processing.
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Fermentation: The must ferments spontaneously into a distinctly dry wine. The taste is therefore primarily supported by fruit, texture, and fresh acidity.
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Aging / wood maturation: Approximately 60–70% is aged in large Stockinger wooden barrels; the rest remains in stainless steel tanks. During 9 months of yeast contact, the wine develops extra cohesion and a smoother texture. The combination of wood and steel provides space for both structure and clear fruit expression.
Grape composition
A single grape variety provides the interplay of expressive aromas and a lively structure.
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Sauvignon Blanc – Westhofen: Sauvignon Blanc brings citrus, gooseberry, and fresh herbs, with natural acidity that supports the concentrated flavor. In this version, riper fruit tones and a refined grip are also given a clear role.
Tasting notes and serving tips
Fragrant with grapefruit, gooseberry, and fresh mint, complemented by white currant, a hint of mango, and fine smoke. The palate is dry and juicy, with lively acidity and a concentrated, finely structured texture. The long finish retains citrus and herbal notes beautifully.
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Serving temperature: Serve at 10–12 °C in a large white wine glass, so the herbal nuances and texture can unfold while the fruit remains fresh.
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Dishes: Serve with grilled sea bass with fennel, pan-fried prawns with herb butter, ravioli with goat cheese and lemon, or roasted chicken with tarragon. The combination of fresh acidity and flavor intensity pairs beautifully with these aromatic, savory preparations.
Awards
Previous vintages of Terra Rossa were highly rated for their structure, spiciness, and refined fruit expression.
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James Suckling — 94 points — 2022 vintage: In September 2023, Stuart Pigott praised the concentration and power, with a beautiful interplay of restrained wood and flint-like freshness. The long, clean finish stood out for its energy.
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Falstaff — 92+ points — 2023 vintage: Ulrich Sautter gave this score in both November 2024 and November 2025. He emphasized the fine herbs, citrus, and mineral structure, later supplemented by cassis, mango, and peach.
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Falstaff — 93 points — 2022 vintage: In November 2023, Ulrich Sautter appreciated the layered aroma of lemon, lemongrass, bay leaf, and mandarin. The tight, exceptionally precise taste was particularly impressive.
More information about Weingut Weedenborn
The interest in Sauvignon Blanc began with Udo Mattern, who discovered the grape in South Tyrol and subsequently planted a first plot on the family estate in Monzernheim. His daughter, Gesine Roll, developed that curiosity into a specialty. She learned her craft at Bassermann-Jordan in the Pfalz and gained experience at the French-oriented Vergelegen in South Africa. Back at Weedenborn, she opted for meticulous vineyard work and a cellar style that centers on origin, structure, and refinement. Terra Rossa played a major role in her breakthrough: the 2012 vintage won the national Falstaff Sauvignon Blanc Trophy in 2013. Her personal distinction as Winemaker of the Year in the Falstaff Weinguide Deutschland 2024 followed later.
Product details
| Alcohol content | 12.5% |
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| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0.75L |
| Region | Rheinhessen |
| Land | Germany |
| Producer | Weedenborn |
| Varietal(s) | Sauvignon Blanc |
