Rebholz Riesling Kastanienbusch GG 2018

Kastanienbusch lies to the west of Birkweiler. At 240 to 300 meters in altitude, this is the highest Grand Cru vineyard in the Pfalz and benefits from excellent air circulation and exposure. Its rocky, iron-rich, rusty-red soil mixed with rare red slate, sandstone, and marl is shallow with poor water retention. The Kastanienbusch is widely considered the finest vineyard of the southern Pfalz and was recognized as such generations ago. Rieslings from Kastanienbusch feature wonderfully spicy, flinty and herbal notes with delicate fruit qualities, persistence and finesse. Kastanienbusch, meaning “chestnut tree,” is named for the for the trees that grow perfectly nearby.

Rebholz has just over 2 ha of old vines in Kastanienbusch on a a 40% gradient.Since 2006 the vineyards are farmed biodynamically. The complex mutual reactions in the ecosystem create remarkable wines and support a better sustainability in this distinctive wine growing region.

After selective harvesting,  the grapes are destemed and rest on the skins for 24 hours. Clarification happens as the wine naturally settles. The wines ferment reductively in stainless steel tanks. The wine was bottled after 6 months on the lees.

The wine shows a perfect balance between ripeness and minerality, fruit and acidity as well as density and elegance. Kastanienbusch typically shows mineral aromas – smoke, pepper, flint, hay, tea and spices as well as typical aromas of Riesling – citrus, apple, peach and apricot.  The palate has the same balance between soil and grape variety: the soil creates the mineral, spicy notes. The wine – like all Rebholz wines – has a high aging potential.