Egon Muller : Riesling Scharzhofberger Auslese 2018

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Wiltingen 2018 Egon Muller

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a pale yellow hue with golden highlights, reflecting the concentration of the vintage.

Nose
The nose reveals a remarkable aromatic complexity, blending mineral notes of gunflint and wet slate, characteristic of schist soils. Fresh citrus aromas, particularly lemon and orange zest, are accompanied by delicate floral nuances of linden blossom and white flowers. A fruity dimension emerges with touches of ripe stone fruit, white peach and apricot, while a subtle spicy note adds further depth.

Palate
On the palate, the wine impresses with its remarkable balance between richness and freshness. The texture reveals itself as both round and silky, carried by a lively acidity that structures the whole. Flavours of exotic fruit and citrus unfold generously, supported by a persistent saline minerality. The concentration of the 2018 vintage translates into an exceptional aromatic intensity, while the finish lingers on notes of lemon and minerality of great purity.

Food and wine pairing
This Riesling from Wiltingen pairs beautifully with fine fish and seafood, particularly oysters and shellfish, whose briny freshness it enhances. It also pairs elegantly with spicy Asian cuisines, notably Thai and Sichuan dishes, where its acidity and slight sweetness perfectly balance the bold flavours. Aged goat cheeses also make for a harmonious pairing.

Service and storage
This Wiltingen 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. The wine has remarkable aging potential and will evolve gracefully over one to two decades, progressively developing complex tertiary aromas and an even more pronounced minerality.

Other characteristics
This wine has a slightly off-dry profile, with a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the natural acidity of the grape variety and terroir.

A Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Riesling of exceptional mineral elegance

The estate
Weingut Egon Muller represents the absolute pinnacle of German winemaking, with a history spanning more than two centuries. Founded in 1797 with the acquisition of the Scharzhof estate, the estate is now run by Egon Muller IV, the sixth generation of this legendary family. Located in the Saar Valley in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, the estate controls around 21 acres of the prestigious Scharzhofberg vineyard, as well as plots from the former Le Gallais estate in Wiltingen. Recognised as the most prestigious Riesling producer in the world, Egon Muller is the only German member of the Primum Familiae Vini association. The estate is distinguished by its century-old ungrafted vines and its minimalist philosophy, favouring manual work and absolute respect for the terroir.

The vineyard
The Wiltingen vines from which this wine is produced come from the plots of the former Le Gallais estate, acquired by the family in 1954. These vineyards are located along the Saar, notably on the renowned sites of Wiltinger Braune Kupp and Kupp. The soils consist of ancient grey slate, enriched with iron in certain plots, giving the wines particular power and richness. The south-east exposure of the slopes and the exceptional thermal properties of the slate allow for optimal ripening of the Riesling despite the northern latitude. The traditional planting density of one metre by one metre requires entirely manual work and encourages grape concentration.

The vintage
The 2018 vintage is characterised by exceptional climatic conditions marked by remarkable heat and drought. After an early start to the growing season in March, the summer saw exceptional sunshine and a significant rainfall deficit. These conditions favoured early ripening of the grapes, making 2018 one of the earliest harvests ever recorded. Despite the heat, the old vines with their deep roots managed to preserve the region's characteristic balance and acidity. Yields were particularly low, at just 29 hectolitres per hectare at Wiltinger Braune Kupp, resulting in an exceptional concentration of the terroir's qualities.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes for the Wiltingen 2018 were hand-harvested from 23 October, with a rigorous selection process distinguishing between different levels of ripeness. After gentle pressing, the must fermented using indigenous yeasts naturally present in the vineyard. Aging took place in large 1,000-litre oak foudres, following the region's tradition, allowing for slow maturation without imparting woody character. This minimalist approach aims to preserve the pure expression of the terroir and the aromatic finesse of the Riesling.

Grape variety
100% Riesling