Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Sur lie 2022

MOSEL WINTRICHER GEIERSLAY
Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete
GRAPE VARIETY
Riesling 100%
TASTING NOTES
The Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Sur Lie 2022 from Günther Steinmetz is a wine that embodies the excellence of viticulture in the Mosel, Germany. This vintage stands out for its unique characteristics, resulting from meticulous vineyard management and a natural winemaking process. The grapes are sourced from slopes with a 55° incline, facing south and cultivated on soils rich in purple slate, quartzite, and iron, with vines approximately 65 years old. The 2022 vintage benefited from particularly favourable conditions, allowing for perfect grape maturation, which ensured a high degree of ripeness and good acidity—elements that contribute to the wine's aromatic complexity. The Riesling is vinified using the "Sur Lie" method, which involves aging on the lees, imparting greater complexity and a silky texture to the wine. The Mosel region, particularly the Brauneberg area, is renowned for its vineyards situated on steep slopes where the soil predominantly consists of slate. This unique terroir enables the production of wines with distinctive minerality and unparalleled freshness. Günther Steinmetz's estate spans approximately 13 hectares of vineyards, all worked by hand, adhering to principles of natural viticulture without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Riesling is the emblematic grape variety of the Mosel, celebrated for its versatility and ability to express terroir. The grapes destined for the Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Sur Lie are carefully selected to ensure only the finest quality. This grape variety adapts well to various winemaking techniques; in the case of Sur Lie, it offers more complex aromatic notes and a richer structure compared to traditionally vinified Rieslings. Visually, the wine presents a bright straw yellow colour with greenish reflections. On the nose, it reveals fresh aromas of citrus fruits, green apple, and typical mineral notes from the clay-slate soil, enriched by a subtle floral hint. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with good acidity balancing the natural sweetness of the grapes. The finish is remarkable, echoing the mineral notes already perceived on the nose. Günther Steinmetz is a historic winery active since 1900, preserving the winemaking tradition of the Mosel. Stefan Steinmetz, the current winemaker and owner, has introduced biodynamic practices in vineyard management and winemaking, emphasising the importance of terroir and grape quality. The winery has received significant accolades from wine critics, solidifying its reputation as a producer of authentic and characteristic Rieslings.