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Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg
Weingut Albert Gessinger
Germany - Mosel   

The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Josefsberg -Alte Reben- was made from fruit harvested from 120-year-old vines in a prime Rothlay part of the vineyard known locally as Josefsberg, next to the cross of St. Josef - the patron of vineyard growers. Here grow old, ungrafted Riesling vines whose particular small and loose grapes develop a lot of aroma.

It was made from fruit picked at the end of the harvest and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a backward nose made of white peach, melon, smoke, herbs, and minerals. On the pleasant racy palate and the wine leaves a beautiful feel of ripe fruits packed into zesty minerals in the finish. The featherlight side of this Spätlese paired with its flavor intensity are simply a thing of beauty. However, during the years this wine will reveal all its facets.

Specifications
Wine Type
White
Varietal(s)
100% Riesling
Age of vines
Average 120 years
Certifications
European Vegetarian Union
Soil type
Devon Blue slate
Vinification
Selective hand picking, like all of our wines, spontaneously fermented and vegan. Pressed full-cluster. Fermentation with preferably wild yeasts gives this wine a unique and authentic taste, reflecting the extreme vineyard sites of the Mosel Valley. A cool temperature allows a slow fermentation which can continue for as long as the wine and the vintage requires.
The Riesling Spätlese remains on the lees (sûr lie) for 5 months to add a creamy texture to the mineral notes and for enhancing the mouth-feel and drinkability.
Production
100 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Perfect match to Asian cuisine as well as spicy food.

Reviews and News

2022 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - 90 PTS - Mosel Fine Wines

2022 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - 90 PTS - Mosel Fine Wines

mosel fine wines logo"The 2022er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Uralte Reben St. Josef is made from fruit picked at 91° Oechsle and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (72 g/l). It offers a still rather backward nose made of backed pineapple, gooseberry, litchi, almond cream, grapefruit, and fine spices. The wine develops the creaminess of an Auslese on the palate but some apply raciness adds cut to the finish. More spices, peach, pineapple, and reduced smoky elements still need to blend away in the aftertaste. But there is potential here, especially as the wine reveals more of its complexity, so a little bit of patience is needed. 2027-2037"

- Mosel Fine Wines (2024), 90 pts 

2021 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - Gold Medal - Berliner Wein Trophy

2021 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - Gold Medal - Berliner Wein Trophy

berliner gold 2022

 

 

 

 

2021 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - Gold Medal - Asia Wine Trophy

2021 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - Gold Medal - Asia Wine Trophy

asia gold 2022

 

 

 

 

2021 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - 94 PTS - Mosel Fine Wines

2021 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - 94 PTS - Mosel Fine Wines

mosel fine wines logo"The 2021er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Josefsberg Alte Reben was made from fruit at 94° Oechsle and was fermented to sweet levels of residual sugar (72 g/l). It offers a captivating and complex nose made of fresh scents of lemon, grapefruit, yellow peach, cherry, fine spices, floral elements, thyme, and flint stone. The wine is beautifully playful on the palate, where juicy and delicate yellow fruits interplay with lively and energetically zesty elements. The finish is gorgeously refreshing and chiseled. The intensity and energy of the after-taste are simply impressive. The wine proves already more fruity-styled than really sweet. This is a great playful, light-weighted, and layered Spätlese. 2029-2036+"

- Mosel Fine Wines (August 2022), 94 pts 

2018 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 92 PTS - WE

2018 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 92 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 92 pts

 "Ripe honeydew and white peach flavors penetrate this rich, intensely concentrated Spätlese. It's sumptuously sweet and weighty on the palate yet balanced by zippy lime acidity and a lingering spray of crushed stones. Just reaching peak now, it should drink well for a decade to come. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA"

- Wine Enthusiast (April 2021), 92 pts

2017 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - 93 PTS - W&S

2017 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Josefsberg - 93 PTS - W&S

wine and spirits logo 250"This is lithe yet curvy, with ripe pineapple fruit shaped by austere, saline mineral tones. A hint of floral bitterness sends it to the savory side of Spätlese, and gives it the edge to pair well with a coconut-milk curry."

- Wine & Spirits Magazine (November 2019), 93 points

2017 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 90 PTS - WE

2017 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 90 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 90 pts"Succulent lemon, yellow pear and grapefruit extend from nose to finish in this forward yet elegantly mineral Spätlese. It's medium-sweet in style and ringed by a touch of caramelized sugar but finishes refreshingly dry. Enjoy now–2022. - Anna LEE C. IIJIMA"
- Wine Enthusiast (October 2019), 90 pts

Go To Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese

2016 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 91 PTS - WE

2016 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 91 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 91 pts"Delicate hints of clay and crushed earth lend savory complexity to this otherwise wildly fruity spätlese. It's unctuously ripe offering loads of summery peach and nectarine flavors but balanced by a spine tingling lemon-lime finish. Drink now through 2025."
- Wine Enthusiast (April 2018), 91 pts

Go To Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese

2014 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 92 PTS - WE

2014 Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese - 92 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 92 pts"While shades of slate and saffron lend complexity and nuance, this semisweet wine is more a showcase of sumptuous yellow peach and pear flavors. Its high-toned acidity and delicate, lacy mouthfeel make it irresistibly gulpable."
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2016), 92 pts

Producer Information: Weingut Albert Gessinger

The Gessinger family has been making wine in the Mosel since 1680. Current owner & winemaker is Albert Gessinger, with involvement from his daughter, Sarah. The family is originally from ...
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