Weingut Wittmann : Kirchspiel Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewächs 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Kirchspiel Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewächs 2024 from Weingut Wittmann

Tasting notes

Nose
Initially discreet in its youth, the bouquet opens up with aeration, revealing subtle citrus notes of lemon and lime, mingled with herbaceous touches reminiscent of mint, sage and green apple. A smoky, stony minerality, a legacy of its limestone terroir, rounds out this aromatic palette, which will develop quince nuances over time.

Palate
The palate stands out for its texture, both austere and finely grained, underpinned by a tightly structured acidity. The pure expression of the fruit is accompanied by saline and lemony flavors, along with spicy and herbaceous nuances. The finish, persistent and vibrant, extends this mineral, tangy thread with great precision.

Food and wine pairing

This dry white wine from Germany pairs beautifully with oysters, raw or pan-seared scallops, and grilled fish such as salmon. It also shines alongside a creamy mushroom risotto, poultry in a light sauce, or delicate veal-based dishes.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the Kirchspiel Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewächs 2024, it is recommended to decant it between thirty minutes and one hour before serving, at an ideal temperature of between 11 and 12°C. This wine will reveal its full aging potential through around 2037.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 12% and an acidity level of 6%. Its residual sugar level, below 3 g/l, firmly places it in the dry wine category.

The mineral elegance of a great white wine from Rheinhessen

The estate

The history of Weingut Wittmann officially began in 1663 in the village of Westhofen, at the heart of the Rheinhessen region. Today, the estate is led by Philipp Wittmann, representing the fifteenth generation, who continues a centuries-old family expertise. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, the estate spans around thirty hectares cultivated organically and biodynamically. The estate is renowned for its commitment to producing dry white terroir wines, combining a deep understanding of the soils with natural, minimal-intervention winemaking methods.

The vineyard

The Kirchspiel terroir, located in Rheinhessen, is characterized by steep slopes with a 30% gradient and an east to southeast exposure that shields the vines from cold winds while ensuring slow ripening. The vines send their roots deep into a soil composed of clay marl, limestone deposits and silt, with a very thin layer of topsoil. This vineyard is cultivated according to biodynamic principles, with entirely manual harvesting and rigorous sorting of the bunches.

The vintage

The year 2024 stood out for its cool climatic conditions, resulting in a longer growing cycle and later ripening. This weather allowed the berries to reach full phenolic ripeness while preserving remarkable freshness and a particularly vibrant acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The making of the Kirchspiel Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewächs 2024 relies on a slow, natural fermentation driven by indigenous yeasts and favored by the vintage's cool temperatures. The wine then undergoes extended aging on fine lees in large neutral oak foudres, resting in a historic vaulted cellar dating back to 1829, before bottling takes place during the summer months.

Grape variety

100% Riesling