Wunderwerk Riesling 2018

The Dreissigacker Wunderwerk Riesling brings together two opposing sites of Rheinhessen: the sun-favoured vineyards of Bechtheim and the cool, wind-exposed slopes of Westhofen. This combination of warmth and freshness creates a Riesling of exceptional tension, depth and expression. In Bechtheim the grapes come from the Geyersberg, Rosengarten and Hasensprung sites, where weathered limestone in the Geyersberg meets loess loam over limestone in the Rosengarten and clay ferrisol in the Hasensprung, soils that give the wine power, ripeness and fullness. In Westhofen, by contrast, the vines root in the Kirchspiel, Morstein and Aulerde sites, marked by lean limestone soils that give the Riesling freshness, minerality and precision. Only through careful ageing do these opposites become a harmonious whole, a Riesling that carries both: energy and calm, structure and finesse.

The Wunderwerk Riesling was fermented spontaneously, 15 per cent in large oak casks and 85 per cent in stainless steel. It then rested eight months on the full lees and a further twelve on the fine lees, before maturing three years in bottle. Time plays a central role at Dreissigacker, and the Rieslings are given it deliberately. It shapes the Wunderwerk Riesling and gives it depth, tension and balance. Ageing in wood brings structure, complexity and fine spice, while the share in steel preserves freshness, fruit and the typical Riesling acidity. The result is a layered, precise Riesling with great ageing potential, a wine that carries the Dreissigacker signature clearly. With the Wunderwerk Riesling 2018 we recommend North Sea sole with boiled potatoes, a plain but elegant dish whose gentle salinity underlines the depth and structure of the wine. As a vegetarian alternative, courgette grilled in saffron butter with a refreshing yoghurt sauce goes beautifully with the fine acidity and long finish of this exceptional Riesling.

Riesling goes excellently with fish. With the Dreissigacker Wunderwerk Riesling we therefore suggest North Sea sole with boiled potatoes, a dish as simple as it is delicious, whose gently saline notes harmonise beautifully with the layered Wunderwerk. The vegetarian alternative, courgette grilled in saffron butter with a refreshing yoghurt sauce, is also a good choice with this Riesling.

Precise, mineral, and clearly structured. Expressive enough for sophisticated cuisine – yet elegant enough to enjoy on its own.