Riesling No. 12 Unterstenberg VDP. Grand Cru

The Riesling N° 12 Unterstenberg comes from the VDP.Große Lage Ayler Kupp vineyard on the Saar River—one of Germany's classic slate vineyards, which impart a distinctive minerality to Riesling. The abbreviation N° 12 refers to a specific barrel number: Weingut Peter Lauer produces its wines from single parcels of the Ayler Kupp vineyard and identifies each parcel on the label.

The family winery has been run since 1830, today by father Peter and son Florian Lauer. All wines are produced through spontaneous fermentation, mature for an extended period in large oak casks on the fine lees, and are regularly stirred—hence the creamy, juicy texture that is a defining characteristic of the estate. Lauer has been a member of the VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates) since 2013.

In the glass, the Unterstenberg displays aromas of yellow stone fruit, ripe mirabelle plum, and citrus peel, underpinned by a delicate slate minerality and earthy nuances. Made in a semi-dry style, it possesses a noticeable richness without losing its vibrancy: a lively acidity carries the wine into a long, exciting finish. The vines in some parcels are over 100 years old—this is evident in the wine's density and concentration.

Serving temperature 10–12 °C . Pairs well with trout with almond butter, pike-perch on a bed of vegetables, or spicy Munster cheese. It can easily be enjoyed until 2030.