Zeller Schwarzer Hergott Riesling

Nine point eight hectares, southern exposure, over 30% slope gradient — the Zeller Schwarzer Hergott is one of Germany's small but historically deeply rooted Riesling sites. Weingut Schwedhelm produces a white wine here that does not deny its soil.

The site is situated on massive limestone and clay marl. Old dry-stone walls retain the heat, and a pre-Christian prayer niche marks the fact that viticulture has been practiced here for centuries. Schwedhelm harvests the grapes by hand in two selection passes, lets them sit on the skins for 18 hours, and ferments them spontaneously — partly in large wooden barrels, partly in stainless steel tanks. The wine matures on the fine lees until June before it is bottled.

In the glass, it shows dark herbal spice, green apple, and citrus zest, with a distinctly mineral undertone beneath. On the palate, the acidity carries well without being sharp — integrated, lively, with a fine salinity on the finish. Good length and a structure that signals aging potential.

• Food: Zander with butter and capers, goat cheese, Asian dishes with lemongrass
• Serving temperature: 10–12 °C