All About Riesling
Riesling is a grape that captivates new wine drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Its versatility, vibrant acidity, and ability to express the unique characteristics of its terroir make it a favorite among many (see my blog Riesling has an undeserved bad rap where I passionately defend Riesling). Earlier this year, we were fortunate to visit the birthplace of Riesling, Germany). Our wonderful tour guide, Carl Wiesner of Weinköpfe Wine Tours, Tasting Events & Wines Sales, introduced us to five delightful wineries featuring the pinnacle of Riesling wine.
Germany Wine Regions – The Mosel, Rheingau, and Rheinhessen
First off, a little background. The best Riesling in the world comes from Germany, particularly the Mosel, Rheingau, and Rheinhessen regions in western Germany. These areas are about a two-hour drive from Frankfurt, and each offers unique expressions or different taste profiles of Riesling due to each distinct terroir and climate. The Mosel region, characterized by its steep, slate-rich vineyards along the winding Mosel River, produces light, aromatic Rieslings with high acidity and pronounced minerality, often featuring green apple, citrus, and peach flavors. Rheingau, located along the Rhine River, benefits from diverse soils like slate, quartzite, and loam and a slightly warmer climate, resulting in fuller-bodied, more robust Rieslings with ripe apricot and tropical fruit notes and a balanced, slightly lower acidity. Rheinhessen, Germany's largest wine region, offers various wine styles due to its varied soils, including limestone, loess, and clay. Rheinhessen Rieslings can range from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and fruit-forward, reflecting tradition and winemaking innovation. Together, these regions highlight the versatility and richness of German Riesling. And embody the concept of "heroic" winemaking. Pretty much all of these wine regions are hand-harvested due to the steepness of the vineyards.
Now that we got that out of the way let's dive into five standout wineries that are must-visits for both their wines and the delightful experiences they offer
Braunewell Winery
Braunewell Winery is nestled in the Rheinhessen region, Germany's largest wine-producing area. The tasting room blends rustic charm with a relaxed, inviting vibe, featuring cozy spots and stunning vineyard views. The Braunewell family has deep roots here, dating back to 1655. Today, brothers Stephan and Christian Braunewell run the operations, with Christian serving as the winemaker. Their Rieslings steal the show—vibrant, zesty, and full of character, thanks to Rheinhessen's unique soils of limestone, loess, and clay. It's the perfect place to unwind, sip exceptional wine, and enjoy the laid-back, intimate setting. Don't miss their Pinot Noirs, offering smooth, rich flavors.
Whether you're new to wine or a seasoned connoisseur, Braunewell has something to impress. Christian combines tradition with modern flair, focusing on sustainable practices and letting the vineyard speak through the wine. Wines we tried and loved: the 2022 Riesling Essenheim Kalkstein and the 2022 Klopp Essenheim Grauer Burgunder (Pinot Grigio).
Georg Breuer Winery
Georg Breuer Winery, located in the Rheingau region, is renowned for its elegant and precise Rieslings. But what do these adjectives mean for Riesling? Elegant Rieslings feature refined flavors, a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality, and a silky texture and delicate aromas of citrus and stone fruits. Precise Rieslings showcase a clear expression of terroir, sharp, clean acidity, and focused, well-defined flavors that highlight the vineyard's unique characteristics. The diverse soils of Rheingau, including slate and quartzite, impart a distinct minerality and balance to their Rieslings, often featuring bright citrus and stone fruit notes. Winemaker Theresa Breuer emphasizes quality and terroir, focusing on sustainable practices and minimal intervention.
The tasting room at Georg Breuer offers a chic, welcoming atmosphere with stunning views of the Rhine River, making it an ideal spot to savor their refined wines. It's a perfect venue for becoming acquainted with Georg Breuer wines. Wines we tried and loved: the Charm 2022 Riesling and Sauvage 2022 Riesling.
Kloster Eberbach Winery
Kloster Eberbach Winery in the Rheingau region should be on your list to visit: 1) the wines alone make the visit special, and 2) the winery is a historical marvel. The winery, founded by Cistercian monks in 1136, combines centuries-old tradition with modern winemaking techniques. Kloster Eberbach is renowned for its exceptional Rieslings, which are elegant, balanced, and full of character. You'll find everything from dry, crisp Rieslings to lusciously sweet dessert wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Rheingau.
Their wine portfolio includes a variety of styles. The dry Rieslings are known for their bright acidity and minerality, offering green apple and citrus flavors. These wines are perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, zesty white wine. For those with a sweet tooth, their Spätlese and Auslese Rieslings (sweet and sweeter wines) are a must-try, featuring luscious notes of honey, apricots, and tropical fruits. These wines showcase a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity, making them delightful for sipping or pairing with desserts. Kloster Eberbach also produces Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), which is elegant and silky, with flavors of red berries and subtle earthy undertones.
The tasting room at Kloster Eberbach is a perfect blend of history and contemporary comfort. It is surprisingly modern. Located in a monastery, it offers a serene and sophisticated atmosphere where you can savor their exquisite wines. The large windows and architecture make it a memorable place to taste and learn about wine.
Winemaker Dieter Greiner and his team focus on sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention, ensuring the wine showcases the vineyard's true potential. Their philosophy is rooted in respect for nature and tradition, aiming to produce wines that reflect the purity and complexity of the region. Wines we tried and loved: 2022 Steinberger Riesling Troken (dry) and 2021 Steinberger Goldener Becher.
Markus Molitor Winery
Markus Molitor Winery was the most elegant spot we visited in the Mosel Valley, perfect for both new and seasoned Riesling lovers. New drinkers will enjoy their Rieslings' approachable flavors of green apple, citrus, and delicate floral notes. Established in 1984 by Markus Molitor at just 20 years old, the winery aims to restore the Mosel's historic vineyards. Known for their purity, vibrant acidity, and aging potential, these Rieslings benefit from the steep, slate-rich vineyards that add distinct minerality and complexity.
The winery blends historical architecture with modern design, featuring a restored traditional Mosel building. The spacious, airy tasting room, with large windows and panoramic vineyard views, offers a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Their tasting salon, complete with enormous candelabras, makes for a memorable experience (along with the wine). This setting enhances the tasting experience and showcases the careful craftsmanship in every bottle of Markus Molitor wine.
Experienced wine enthusiasts will appreciate the winery's dedication to quality and tradition. The winery produces Rieslings that balance freshness and depth. These wines truly reflect the unique characteristics of the Mosel region, earning Markus Molitor the title of Riesling Ambassador among his peers and many accolades for his work.
This winery had some great graphics illustrating the different sweetness levels of Riesling (pictured above). Wines we tried and loved: 2014 Wehlener Klosterberg Kabinett Riesling and 2018 Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese (Kabinett wines are off-dry; Spätlese wines are sweet).
Meierer Winery
For a truly exceptional wine experience, Meierer Winery in the Mosel region is an absolute gem. This boutique winery in Kesten specializes in crafting exquisite Rieslings that reflect the essence of their steep, slate-rich vineyards. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, Meierer's range of Rieslings—from bone-dry to lusciously sweet—is bound to impress.
Dry Rieslings: These vibrant, zesty wines boast crisp acidity and pronounced minerality. Flavors of green apple, citrus, and hints of peach make them refreshingly food-friendly.
Off-Dry Rieslings: These wines showcase ripe stone fruits and floral notes. They are ideal for those who prefer a slightly sweeter profile without being overpowering.
Sweet Rieslings: Including Kabinett, Spätlese, and Auslese, these wines are rich in apricot, honey, and tropical fruit flavors, with a balanced acidity that makes them amazing.
With his mantra "Good wine is created when you live winemaking," winemaker Matthias Meierer's philosophy is to let the vineyard's terroir shine through in every bottle. His focus on sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention ensures each wine is a pure expression of Mosel's unique character.
This winery was my favorite to visit. The tasting room at Meierer Winery is intimate and cozy, perfect for relaxing with a glass of Riesling while enjoying panoramic views of the Mosel River. It's an ideal spot for new wine drinkers and seasoned aficionados to savor exceptional wines in a serene setting. Wines we tried and loved: 2022 Kestener Riesling (dry) and 2021 Heidenloch gg Riesling (dry)
Conclusion
I was always a fan of Riesling; visiting Riesling's homeland turned me into a true lover. Go and experience amazing wines! A guide is really a requirement if planning winery visits in Germany or any other European country. I can't recommend Carl Wiesner of Weinköpfe Wine Tours, Tasting Events & Wines Sales (hello@weinkoepfe.com). Personable and extremely knowledgeable about wine and the wineries of this region, he was the perfect host.
Cheers!
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