Künstler Stielweg Riesling Old Vines First Growth dry

Hochheim am Main is located where the Rheingau meets the Main river – and the Stielweg is one of the most defining vineyards of the Künstler winery. The name is derived from the Middle High German Stiege: a steep path leading through heavy clay soil.

The vines here were planted more than 60 years ago. Old vines root deeply, yield little, and concentrate much. Künstler ages the wine in large wooden barrels – no new wood to overpower the wine, but a quiet maturation that brings texture and minerality to the fore.

In the glass, the Stielweg shows what Hochheim Riesling from clay can do: ripe pear and quince, a spicy herbal note, underneath a firm mineral core. The acidity is present but integrated – the wine already appears round and complex in its youth, but has the backbone for many more years in the cellar.

• Food: Veal medallions with herb butter, zander on leek vegetables, mature Comté
• Temperature: 10–12 °C