2006 Balthasar Ress Schloss Reichartshausen Riesling Kabinett lusciously sweet exposé

The producer is the renowned VDP wine estate Balthasar Ress. Founded in 1870 by the Rheingau hotelier Balthasar Ress, the wine estate numbers among the large, family operated enterprises 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, anticipated yields were greatly reduced

All of the vineyards bearing the appellation of origin Schloss Reichartshausen listed in the official vineyard registry as an independent community are solely owned by Balthasar Ress. It belonged to the Cistercian monastery Kloster Eberbach from the early 12th century, and until the early 19th century, was one of the monastery’s important outlying properties. In carrying on the great tradition of Kloster Eberbach, Balthasar Ress cultivates only Riesling vines here, which thanks to the soil structure yield very racy wines with a pronounced acidity. The vineyards are relatively flat and lie adjacent (partly in close proximity) to the Rhine. The soils are quite sandy.

The grapes are selectively harvested by hand, and gently transported to the cellar in containers that can be emptied over the wine press, thus making it possible to completely dispense with crushing and pumping.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks after the musts settle. Cultured yeasts are used.

100 % Riesling

Delicate aroma of apple with a fine play of sweetness and acidity. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

Fried blood sausage with grated horseradish. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

The wine should develop well until 2009-2010. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)