Wines Rheinhessen Wittmann - Kirchspiel Riesling GG - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The Wittmann Kirchspiel Riesling GG 2020 is an outstanding dry white wine from the esteemed Rheinhessen region of Germany. Crafted from 100% Riesling grapes sourced from the renowned Kirchspiel vineyard, this Grosses Gewächs (GG) wine exemplifies the estate’s commitment both to quality and to organic viticulture. The 2020 vintage benefited from a moderately warm year with cool nights, promoting balanced ripeness and vibrant acidity. In the cellar, Wittmann employs gentle pressing, natural fermentation with wild yeasts, and aging in large traditional oak casks, all enhancing the wine’s finesse and expression of terroir. The result is a precise, mineral-driven Riesling brimming with notes of citrus, green apple, white peach, and an undercurrent of crushed stone and herbs.

Rheinhessen stands out as one of Germany’s most dynamic wine regions. Situated on gently rolling hills between the Rhine and the Nahe rivers, its mosaic of loess, limestone, and clay soils provide an ideal environment for the Riesling grape. The Kirchspiel vineyard, in particular, is celebrated for its limestone-rich soils and southeast exposure, which together foster exceptional minerality and tension in the wines. Rheinhessen has undergone a real revival in recent decades, with producers like Wittmann leading a new wave of quality-focused and organic estates, all working in harmony with the region’s long winemaking tradition and temperate continental climate.

As a dry, structured Rheinhessen Riesling, this wine calls for food pairings that will complement its freshness and minerality. It is sublime with seafood such as grilled turbot or seared scallops, and it can stand up to lightly spiced Asian cuisine, such as Thai lemongrass chicken or sushi. Traditional German dishes like Wiesbaden trout with herbs or even a classic pork schnitzel with lemon would also make excellent matches, as the wine’s vibrant acidity effortlessly cleanses the palate.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Wittmann Kirchspiel Riesling GG 2020 at a cool 10-12°C. Allow the wine a bit of time in the glass to open up, revealing its depth and nuances. This bottling can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years, during which it will gain even greater complexity and harmony.