Variegated slate Riesling

A Riesling from the highest point of the Rheingau — lean, mineral, with that characteristic salty streak left by variegated slate soils.

The Spreitzer winery in Oestrich-Winkel is one of the most reliable addresses in the Rheingau. The family consistently works out the Hallgarten sites — vineyards on Taunus quartzite and variegated slate, significantly cooler than the Rhine bank sites, with a correspondingly crisp acidity structure. 11.5% ABV is no coincidence here, but the natural result of this high altitude.

In the glass, it shows lemon zest, white peach, and a mineral-stony undertone reminiscent of wet slate. The body is lean and taut, the acidity is lively without sharpness, and the finish is long with that slightly salty note typical of quartzite weathering soils.

• Temperature: 10–12 °C
• Food: Zander fillet with butter and capers, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, goat cheese, or light seafood