Wines Rheingau Schloss-vollrads - Qualitatswein Riesling - 2023

Schloss Vollrads 2023 Cuvée Qualitatswein Riesling emerges from the Rheingau, a historic and celebrated wine region nestled along the Rhine river in Germany. Crafted as a dry (sec) white, this wine is built around the revered Riesling grape, which flourishes in the Rheingau’s unique climate and soils. The 2023 vintage is expected to display the hallmark traits of the estate: freshness, lively acidity and fragrant fruit. Typically, Rheingau Rieslings are known for their vivid expressions of orchard fruits – think green apple, pear, or juicy peach – accented by a stony minerality. The vinification for a “Qualitätswein” is attentive to purity and balance, resulting in a wine that is crisp, aromatic, and refreshingly complex, even in its youth.

The Rheingau region benefits from a temperate climate, with the Rhine river’s moderating influence preventing frost damage and promoting long, gentle ripening. The south-facing slopes ensure optimal sunlight, enhancing the aromatic quality of the Riesling grapes. Soils in the Rheingau are predominantly composed of slate and loess, giving the wines their characteristic minerality and elegance. The region boasts centuries-old winemaking traditions, and estates like Schloss Vollrads have played a leading role in shaping the area’s reputation for nuanced, ageworthy white wines.

As a dry Rheingau Riesling, this wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its lively acidity cuts gracefully through fatty or spicy foods, making it an excellent companion to Asian cuisine – aromatic Thai fish curries or sushi work particularly well. Regional pairings might include poultry with light cream sauces or classic dishes such as Zander (pike-perch) served over a Riesling-infused beurre blanc. Fresh goat's cheese, asparagus or light salads also shine alongside this wine.

For an optimal tasting experience, serve this Rheingau Riesling well chilled, ideally at 8–10°C. This temperature accentuates its vibrant aromas and brings the refreshing acidity and fruit-forward character to the fore, making it a delight as an aperitif or with lighter cuisine. Drinking young is a pleasure, but attentive cellaring for a few years may reveal further layers of complexity.