Dönnhoff’s Hermannshöhle Riesling 2021 is a textbook example of grand cru Riesling from one of the Nahe’s most distinguished estates. With fruit likely sourced from the revered Hermannshöhle vineyard, this dry white wine showcases the purity and energy that have secured Dönnhoff’s international reputation. Riesling here displays incredible clarity and tension, with pronounced citrus and white stone fruit notes, often complemented by complex mineral undertones, sometimes reminiscent of wet slate, salt, or crushed rock. The 2021 vintage in the Nahe was characterised by its coolness and modest yields, favouring wines of precision, brightness, and remarkable ageing potential. Expect a wine that is vibrant and incisive, with a taut structure, nuanced aromatics, and a mouth-watering, lingering finish.
The Nahe region sits between the Mosel and Rheingau and is prized for its mosaic of volcanic, slate, and quartzite soils, which impart a distinctive salty-mineral core to its best Rieslings. With a temperate climate and an intricate patchwork of vineyard exposures along the Nahe river, the region’s wines combine the delicacy of the Mosel with the structure of the Rheingau, producing Rieslings of outstanding balance and expressiveness. The Hermannshöhle vineyard, in particular, has been renowned since Roman times for its exceptional terroir, which gives depth and subtlety to its wines.
For food pairing, this dry, grand cru Riesling shines with refined cuisine. Its purity and racy acidity complement delicate seafood dishes such as turbot with beurre blanc, seared scallops, or even sushi. It also pairs beautifully with lightly spiced Asian dishes, white meats in gently creamy sauces, poultry, or vegetarian fare featuring fresh herbs and spring vegetables. Classic German pairings could include forelle blau (trout poached with vinegar and herbs) or Zander (pikeperch) with sautéed potatoes.
To fully appreciate this wine’s finesse and aromatic complexity, serve it chilled but not overly cold, ideally at 10–12°C. Decanting is optional but may enhance expression in its youth. This is a wine with a long future ahead, but even now, gentle aeration will allow its intricate layers to unfold.
