Künstler Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Erste Lage

Riesling from one of the most famous vineyards in the Rheingau — with depth and structure that one would hardly expect from the banks of the Main.

The Hochheimer Hölle vineyard has nothing to do with the afterlife: its name comes from the Middle High German word "Halde" – steep hill. The site stretches as a long, south-facing slope directly along the Main River. What makes it special are the heavy clay soils, which retain heat and give the Rieslings an unusual richness and mineral density. Weingut Künstler, rooted in Hochheim for generations, is one of the most reliable producers of dry Rheingau Riesling. The vines, around 20 years old, dig deep into this clay – and you can taste it in the glass.

On the nose, ripe quince, white peach, and a hint of beeswax. On the palate, the wine reveals why artists speak of clay soils: the body is full and powerful, the acidity well integrated, the finish long with a salty-mineral character. Not a light summer wine, but a Riesling with substance.

• Food pairing: Veal sweetbreads, pike-perch in butter sauce, mature Munster cheese
• Serving temperature: 10–12 °C
• Drinking window: now until 2030