Geltz/Zilliken Saarburg Rausch Cabinet

The Saarburger Rausch is one of the great steep Riesling sites of the Saar — and Geltz-Zilliken has been the most reliable interpreter there for generations. This Kabinett shows why the Saar is known for filigree elegance and lively acidity.

The winery in Saarburg is managed by Dorothee Zilliken, the fourth generation, and consistently brings out the fine-grained minerality of the Rausch. The slate soil shapes every vintage with its characteristic coolness and tension.

In the glass, the Kabinett shows bright citrus and peach notes, underpinned by fine slate minerality and a hint of apricot blossom. The acidity is lively but never harsh — it carries the delicate play of residual sweetness of a classic Kabinett and keeps the finish long and cool. This is exactly what makes Saar Rieslings a chapter of their own.

Recommendation: Slightly chilled at 8–10 °C. Pairs well with Asian dishes with coconut milk, pan-fried trout with almond butter, or mature goat cheese. Accessible now, even more complex with another two to three years in the cellar.