2006 Balthasar Ress Rüdesheim Berg Rottland Riesling Erstes Gewächs (First Growth) trocken / dry exposé

The producer is the renowned VDP wine estate Balthasar Ress. Founded in 1870 by the Rhein-gau hotelier Balthasar Ress, the wine estate numbers among the large, family-operated en-terprises in the Rheingau today. Consistently high standards of performance and reliability have been hallmarks of the estate since its founding. Today the estate is run by Stefan and Christian Ress, who represent the fourth and fifth generations of the founding family.

Prospects for a great vintage lasted until the last week of September, but heavy rainfall combined with unseasonably high temperatures in early October dashed all expectations. Due to the wet and relatively warm weather, rot set in early and forced a quick and very painstaking harvest that required very selective picking. As such, antici-pated yields were greatly reduced

Berg Rottland is a steep site with a slope of 33%. It is situated on the western edge of town, near the Rhine shoals known as the "Binger Loch." The name is related to the German verb "reu-ten/rotten/roden" meaning to clear land for cultivation. In this case, it probably refers to the fallow land (that needed to be cleared) that was given to wine-growers in Rüdesheim and neighboring Eibingen by the archbishop of Mainz between 1031 and 1051. The soils are quite stony, and vary within the site: slate, quartzite and gravel, partially covered with loess. Thanks to the optimal microclimate with its high degree of sunlight and solar radia-tion, grapes ripen very well in the Berg Rottland site.

The grapes are selectively harvested by hand in several stages, then very carefully and gently transported to the cellar in 40-liter boxes that are manually emptied over the wine press, thus making it possible to completely dispense with crushing and pumping.

Spontaneous fermentation and aging take place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with as little exposure to oxygen as possible, in order to preserve fruit aromas.

100% Riesling

Delicate aroma of green apple and vineyard peach paired with a touch of pineapple. On the palate: rich in minerals, with a fine, well-integrated acidity. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

Sautéed rock lobster on mango chutney. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

A "first growth" wine gains strength and expression as it develops over many years. The wine should develop well until 2011-2012. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)