Wines Rheingau Kloster Eberbach - Steinberger Riesling "aus dem Cabinetkeller" trocken - 2009

Viniou Reviews

The 2009 Kloster Eberbach Steinberger Riesling "aus dem Cabinetkeller" trocken is a remarkable dry white from the famed Rheingau region in Germany. Crafted exclusively from Riesling, this wine originates from the legendary Steinberg vineyard, a monopole of the historic Kloster Eberbach estate. The “aus dem Cabinetkeller” designation alludes to the tradition of reserving the best barrels in a special cellar—an early precursor to modern “Kabinett” but with greater emphasis on selectivity and ageing potential. 2009 was an excellent vintage in the Rheingau, marked by a warm and balanced growing season that produced fully ripe grapes while retaining excellent acidity. The winemaking here focuses on a gentle pressing and slow, cool fermentation to preserve Riesling’s vibrant aromatics and crystalline purity, followed by time resting on lees to deepen complexity and texture.

The Rheingau itself is one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions, lying along the Rhine river and traditionally regarded as the heartland of German Riesling. The climate is temperate with significant river influences, ensuring slow, steady ripening and a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. The Steinberg vineyard features deep, weathered phyllite soils that impart a distinct minerality and finesse to the wine. Kloster Eberbach, a former Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, is steeped in wine tradition and has long set benchmarks for quality in the region.

To complement the crisp drive and mineral intensity of this dry Riesling, consider pairing it with classic dishes such as trout with almond butter, grilled white asparagus with hollandaise, or Riesling-soaked sauerkraut with lightly-cured pork. Asian cuisine, particularly sushi or Thai salads with lemongrass and ginger, enhances the wine’s aromatic complexity. For a regional experience, serve with Rheingauer Spundekäs (a creamy cheese dip) and rustic bread.

For serving, chill the wine to 8-10°C and allow some aeration in the glass to reveal subtle citrus, blossom, and slate nuances. This Riesling is beautifully expressive now but will continue to evolve, so consider cellaring a few more years for added depth.