Hattenheim Pfaffenberg Riesling GG

The Pfaffenberg is one of the quiet sites of the Rheingau — less well-known than Steinberg or Marcobrunn, but appreciated by connoisseurs for its deep loess-loam soils over quartzite. Künstler vinifies this Riesling as a Grosses Gewächs: hand-harvested, dry-aged, with the ambition to let the site speak.

In the glass, the 2021 shows ripe apricot and mirabelle, plus a fine herbal spice and a hint of white pepper in the background. The acidity is present but integrated — not edgy, but an even pull that carries the wine over the long finish. The texture is dense without heaviness.

Drinking recommendation:

• Temperature: 11–13 °C
• Pairs with: pan-fried red mullet with fennel, sweetbreads, aged Gruyère, or a classic Wiener Schnitzel with lemon