Wines Rheingau Robert Weil - Kiedrich Gräfenberg Grosses Gewächs - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg Grosses Gewächs 2017 is a remarkable German dry white wine from the prestigious Rheingau region. Crafted from 100% Riesling grapes sourced from the famed Gräfenberg vineyard, this Grosses Gewächs showcases the finest the Rheingau has to offer. The 2017 vintage provided a slightly cooler growing season with favourable ripening conditions, resulting in wines of vibrant acidity and fine aromatic intensity. The terroir of Gräfenberg, with its steep slate and loess soils, allows for deep root penetration and contributes to the wine's pronounced minerality and complexity. Vinification emphasises precision: after careful hand-harvesting, the grapes undergo gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation, often in stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit, followed by maturation on fine lees to enhance texture and depth.

The Rheingau holds a special place in German wine history, renowned for its long-standing tradition of producing top-tier Riesling. Its unique location along the Rhine river permits excellent sun exposure, while the reflective qualities of the water and the protection of the Taunus Hills create a microclimate ideal for gradual grape ripening. Soils of slate, quartzite, and loess imbue the wines with both elegance and a pronounced mineral backbone. Rieslings from Rheingau are celebrated for their ability to balance aromatic intensity, crisp acidity, and nuanced complexity.

With its depth and intensity, this Grosses Gewächs pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Classic German suggestions include veal schnitzel with a creamy mushroom sauce or pan-fried river fish with herbed butter. Its powerful structure also matches well with Asian-inspired cuisine such as sushi, prawns with ginger and lime, or even mildly spiced Thai dishes. For cheese pairings, young Jura Comté or aged Gruyère would complement its refined minerality.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature of 10-12°C. Pour into large white wine glasses to allow the complex bouquet of citrus, white peach, herbs, and wet stone to fully unfold. A brief decanting may further reveal its subtle layers. This Riesling will evolve gracefully over the next 10 years, rewarding those who have the patience to cellar it further.