Wines Palatinate Philipp Kuhn - Im Grossen Garten Riesling GG - 2018

The 2018 Cuvée Im Grossen Garten Riesling GG from Philipp Kuhn stands as a compelling expression of Pfalz’s Grand Cru potential. Crafted exclusively from Riesling grapes—though blending practices can vary in Germany, GG (Grosses Gewächs) status indicates a dry, single-vineyard wine of superior quality. The 2018 vintage, marked by warm and sunny conditions, facilitated optimal ripeness, yielding a concentrated yet balanced wine. Expect complex aromatics, where ripe orchard fruits such as peach and apricot intermingle with zesty citrus, delicate floral nuances, and an undercurrent of minerality often attributed to the region's limestone and loess soils. The palate should be dry and vibrant, characterised by lively acidity, a firm but elegant structure, and a lingering saline finish, reflecting meticulous vinification and a commitment to expressing terroir.

The Pfalz region, stretching along the eastern foothills of the Haardt mountains, benefits from a relatively warm climate, one of the sunniest in Germany. This enables fuller ripening of grapes and produces wines with generous fruit, well-judged concentration, and a supple texture. The soils in the area are notably diverse, but the best sites—often classified as Grosses Gewächs—feature a mix of limestone, clay, and loess, contributing finesse and a distinctive minerality to the wines. Pfalz’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, and today it is revered for its expressive, gastronomic Rieslings, often showing more body and ripeness than their Mosel counterparts.

A wine of this calibre lends itself to a variety of food pairings. Its vibrant acidity and mineral drive make it an excellent match for classic German fare such as trout with herb butter, pork schnitzel, or a hearty onion tart. It will also complement Asian-inspired dishes, particularly those with a hint of spice, like Thai green curry or Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, where its freshness acts as a foil. For a simple, elegant pairing, serve alongside goat's cheese or lightly grilled seafood.

To best appreciate its aromatic complexity and precise balance, serve this Riesling GG well-chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting for up to 30 minutes can help the wine open up further, showcasing its full spectrum of fruit and mineral notes. Enjoy now for its youthful vibrancy or cellar for greater textural depth and nuance as it evolves.