Wines Rheingau Weingut Künstler - Künstler Grosse Lage - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Weingut Künstler's 2022 Cuvée Künstler Grosse Lage is a distinguished dry white wine hailing from the revered Rheingau region of Germany. Crafted from carefully selected parcels classified as Grosse Lage—the German equivalent of Grand Cru—it reflects both the meticulous winemaking tradition and the remarkable terroir of its origin. While the precise blend is proprietary, it is likely to encompass predominantly Riesling, possibly with a touch of other classic Rheingau whites, adding depth and complexity. The 2022 vintage benefited from a moderate growing season, ensuring vibrant acidity and expressive aromatics. Vinification emphasises clarity and purity, favouring stainless steel and restrained intervention to let the nuances of the fruit and terroir shine through.

The Rheingau sits gracefully along the banks of the Rhine, where the river bends westward, creating steep slopes ideally angled to capture the gentle warmth of the sun. The soils, rich in slate, quartzite, and clay, contribute to the electric minerality and balance characteristic of Rheingau wines. With a winemaking legacy stretching back to medieval monasteries, the region has become synonymous with world-class Riesling, though other varieties are cultivated as well. The cool continental climate ensures slow ripening, resulting in wines of remarkable finesse and longevity.

This Cuvée Künstler Grosse Lage, with its brisk structure and aromatic intensity, is delightful alongside classic German cuisine such as grilled trout with herb butter, or lightly smoked salmon. It also elevates Asian dishes featuring ginger or lemongrass, as well as vegetable-based starters like asparagus with Hollandaise or fresh goat’s cheese. For a regional pairing, you might consider the delicate flavours of Rheingauer Spundekäs (a creamy cheese spread) with warm pretzels.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature between 8-10°C. Decanting for a short time can help it bloom in the glass, revealing both its crystalline fruit and understated savoury notes. This is a wine to savour young for its expressiveness, or to cellar for added complexity.