2013 Knebel Riesling ‘Von Den Terrassen’

Region: Lower Mosel < Germany
Grapes: Riesling
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organically farmed 40-year old vines; blue, grey, brown and red slate soil, 20ppm added SO2
Winemaker: Matthias Knebel

Since 1642, Matthias Knebel’s family has been growing grapes on these extremely steep terraces, some of the steepest in the entire Mosel, where 100% of work must be done by hand. He chooses not to qualify his wines under the Prädikat system, which indicates the level of residual sugar (Kabinett, Spätlese, etc.), because he prefers the wine to be known for its terroir rather than sweetness. Also rare for Germany, the Knebel wines are produced entirely through spontaneous fermentations, with minimal SO2 added only at bottling. The Von den Terrassen wine, a blend of grapes from three different slate-soiled vineyards, is not the linear, reductive sort of Mosel Riesling – this one fills the mouth with richness and body from extended skin contact. The palate is lean and fresh, with golden apple, pear and stone fruits that have a lift that is more savory than fruity. The wine finishes with great acidity, a nice hit of spice and that classic wet stone minerality we all love in Riesling. Perfect for spicy Thai or a simple roast chicken.