6 - 2015 Nebel Rheinhessen Riesling, Germany
2015 Nebel Rheinhessen Riesling, Germany
Vines grown along the rolling hills of the Rhine River in Germany's famed Rheinhessen Region are aided and abetted by the fog - Nebel - that rises from the river on cold winter mornings. Keeping temperatures above freezing, Nebel allows Rheinhessen grapes to grow to their full potential.
On the nose, green apple, honeysuckle, and a hint of wet stone form a multilayered bouquet. The body is light and lean, showing good balance of bright Meyer lemon and grapefruit with sweet white floral and minerality. A mineral, grapefruit note holds on for a long finish.
Vineyard/Region
Rheinhessen, the largest German wine-growing area has a more than thousand- year-old tradition of wine-growing. Vines are grown along the rolling hills of the Rhine River in Loess soil. In Rheinhessen, Riesling is grown on approx. 9,400 acres, which represents 14% of the total vineyards. Riesling is a slow-ripening grape variety, typically with a pronounced, fruity acidity. It is predestined for Rheinhessen’s relatively cool climatic conditions where a long ripening period allows it to develop its fine fruity aromas and to ripen to perfection in the late autumn sunshine. Rheinhessen enjoys the climate of a protected basin. It is an area with Germany’s warmest and driest climate. Overall, it has low precipitation, warm summers and mild winters. These perfect conditions allow Rheinhessen grapes to grow to their full potential. Nebel’s vineyards have an average age of 10 – 15 years.
Winemaking/Viticulture
Vintage 2015 was nearly perfect in the Rheinhessen region. Top quality yields were reported across Germany, and in the Rheinhessen, grapes showed exceptional balance and aromatics. After gentle pressing, strict purification of musts and use of selected yeasts, this wine was fermented slowly under controlled temperature conditions in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruitiness. Short sur-lie storage contributed to the roundness of this wine.
Enjoy with green salads, ceviche, or sushi.