Weingut Günther Steinmetz Piesporter Treppchen Riesling am Fels 2021
97 POINTS: Stuart Pigott MW & JamesSuckling.comPiesporter Treppchen55° Exposure South slopeSoil type, silver-grey slate weathered soilAs early as the fourth century, the spectacular slate escarpments that rise up to 200 metres here were planted by the Romans. Previously, parts of this imposing slope, which opens like an amphitheatre from the southwest across the south to the southeast, had already been cultivated in Celtic times. In 777, a document proves that some Piesport vineyards were donated to the Benedictine Abbey in Prüm. This document is the oldest written evidence of viticulture on the Moselle in the early Middle Ages.Riesling has been planted here as a grape variety since the 15th century. Later, the site was listed as "Klasse 1 - Lage" (Class 1 Site) in the 1868 version of the Prussian viticultural map. In addition to its exposure, the Goldtröpfchen benefits from the hill of the downstream neighbouring village of Minheim, which protects it from cold easterly winds, as well as from the forested hilltops above the vineyards, which exhale cool air at night and thus increase the fluctuations between day and night temperatures, which contributes to the enhanced aroma formation in the grapes."Very complex nose of mandarin orange, smoke and flint that leaps out of the glass at you, but with every swirl of the glass more stone fruit aromas join the picture. Very concentrated and super-clean, this has massive slate aromas at the extremely tight finish. Very limited production. Drinkable now, but best from 2024."— 97 Points, Stuart Pigott MW & JamesSuckling.com
ABV: 12.5%