Producer | WITTMANN |
---|---|
Country | GERMANY |
Type | STILL WHITE |
AOC | RHEINHESSEN |
Vintage | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Score | WA 91+ |
Packing Size | 12C |
Weingut Wittmann, located in Westhofen, Rheinhessen, has been crafting wines since 1663, with 15 generations of expertise. Managed by Philipp Wittmann, alongside father Günther (vineyards) and mother Elisabeth (sales), the estate spans 62 acres of limestone-rich soils. Pioneers in sustainable practices, they adopted organic viticulture in 1990 and biodynamic methods in 2004, earning organic certification. Renowned for full-bodied, balanced dry Rieslings, Wittmann’s wines express terroir with precision. Philipp, a former VDP Rheinhessen president, has elevated the estate to global acclaim, twice earning Germany’s best white winemaker title (Eichelmann, 2003, 2013; Gault Millau, 2014).
The 2023 Wittmann Estate Riesling Trocken is crafted from Riesling grapes sourced from various Westhofen vineyards, predominantly limestone and loess soils. Hand-harvested, the grapes undergo gentle pressing and spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. The wine matures for 6–8 months in the estate’s historic cellar, remaining unfiltered and unfined. Yields average 40 hl/ha, producing a bone-dry wine (<1 g/l residual sugar) with 11.5–12% alcohol. The 2023 vintage benefits from a cool growing season, ensuring high acidity and vibrant fruit, making it an approachable yet structured entry-level Riesling.
The 2023 Wittmann Estate Riesling Trocken presents a pale lemon hue with brilliant clarity. Its nose offers bright aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white peach, underscored by a chalky minerality and hints of fresh herbs. On the palate, it’s crisp and lively, with zesty citrus, crisp pear, and a touch of wet stone, balanced by racy acidity. The finish is clean, refreshing, and slightly saline, showcasing Rheinhessen’s terroir. This versatile, food-friendly wine pairs beautifully with seafood, salads, or light cheeses and is best enjoyed young, though it can evolve for 3–5 years.