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2003 Balthasar Ress Rüdesheim Berg Rottland Riesling Erstes Gewächs (First Growth) trocken / dry exposé



“Erste Gewächs” or “First Growth” denotes those wines from classified single vineyards that un-mistakably reflect the influence of their micro-climate and soil structure, and show especially high quality potential. Wines from these top sites are on a par with the finest international growths.

A full version (including picture and analysis information) in pdf format of this fact sheet can be downloaded using the button in the upper right corner.

Producer

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, familyoperated 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.

Vintage

The first signs of bud break occurred by Easter. Flowering began considerably earlier than the long-term average and ended by mid-June under excellent weather conditions. An unusually hot summer followed, during which there was not only extremely little precipitation, but also a record number of sunshine hours 

Vineyard site

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 "reuten/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 winegrowers 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 radiation, grapes ripen very well in the Berg Rottland site.

Harvest

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.

Vinification

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

Grape variety

100% Riesling

Tasting notes

Fragrance of quince and hints of almond. Light mineral tone, unobtrusive acidity, and bitter almond finish.

Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

Food affinities

Dover sole on spinach. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

Aging potential

A "first growth" wine gains strength and expression as it develops over many years. The wine should develop well until 2008-2009. Helge Hagen, (Sommelier, Kronenschlösschen/Hattenheim)

 Media Mentions :

Gault Millau Wein Guide [2005]: 88 points.

the highest since 1900, when weather data began to be recorded on a regular basis. The wines are very concentrated in nature, with a relatively high alcohol content and somewhat low acidity.

2003 Balthasar Ress Rüdesheim Berg Rottland Riesling Grand Cru
2003 Balthasar Ress Rüdesheim Berg Rottland Riesling Grand Cru
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