Wines Mosel Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt - Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese - 2013

Viniou Reviews

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt’s 2013 Cuvée Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese is a superb expression of the Mosel region’s most legendary vineyard. Crafted exclusively from Riesling, this wine originates from the prestigious Doctor vineyard in Bernkastel, famed for its steep slate slopes and optimal exposure. The 2013 vintage benefited from a cool, extended growing season, allowing for slow ripening and the development of precise, crystalline acidity. As a Spätlese, this Riesling embodies late-harvest richness with beautifully balanced residual sugar, resulting in a moelleux profile. Typical vinification in stainless steel preserves the freshness and mineral purity, hallmarks of this aristocratic estate.

The Mosel is among Germany’s most iconic wine regions, tracing the sinuous path of the Mosel River through verdant valleys and vertiginous hillsides. Its cool, continental climate ensures a long, gentle ripening for Riesling, fostering vibrant acidity and delicate aromatics. The Doctor vineyard, in particular, is renowned for its Devonian slate soils, which impart a remarkable minerality and signature lift to the wines. This terroir, combined with centuries of winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, consistently yields Rieslings of finesse and profundity.

To complement the lush sweetness and fine acidity, this Spätlese excels alongside dishes such as duck with orange sauce or veal with fruit-based reductions. Regional pairings from Mosel, like pork with apple or Riesling-soaked sausages, provide delicious harmony with the wine’s orchard fruit and honey notes. Spicy Asian cuisine, particularly Thai dishes with ginger or lightly spiced Indian curries, can also accentuate its aromatic complexity and counterbalance the gentle sweetness.

For an ideal tasting, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, between 8-10°C. This allows its bouquet of white peach, citrus blossom, and slate-driven minerality to unfold fully. A generous glass, a little time to breathe, and you will experience the Mosel’s enduring magic in every sip.