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. 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.
Acidity 9.5 g/l
Residual sugar 72 g/l
Perfect match to Asian cuisine as well as spicy food.
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
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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