Wines Rheinhessen Keller - G-Max - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Keller's G-Max from the 2018 vintage stands as one of the most renowned dry Rieslings in the world. Produced exclusively from old vines rooted in some of Rheinhessen’s most prized limestone parcels, the wine showcases a remarkable union of complexity, finesse and power. Deeply influenced by meticulous vineyard practices and minimal intervention in the cellar, G-Max is vinified with spontaneous fermentation in large oak casks, allowing the full expression of terroir. The 2018 vintage, benefitting from a warm and generous growing season, delivers intensity on both nose and palate, with notes of ripe citrus, orchard fruit, herb, and a subtle mineral edge. The wine reveals extraordinary persistence and a signature saline finish, reflecting both provenance and precision of winemaking.

The Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine region, sits on the gentle rolling hillsides bordered by the Rhine. Renowned for its varied soils, the area's limestone-rich parcels, especially those selected for G-Max, impart palpable minerality and structure to the wines. Traditionally, Rheinhessen was overshadowed by its neighbours but has, particularly through estates like Keller, become a reference point for world-class dry Riesling. The region’s cool continental climate is buffered by the river and fertile soils, providing ideal ripening conditions while retaining essential acidity and freshness. It is these natural attributes, coupled with a rich winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times, that allow Rheinhessen to produce whites with both poise and longevity.

Pairing the G-Max is an invitation to elevate a meal. Its vibrant minerality and textured palate match exquisitely with delicate dishes such as poached turbot, scallop carpaccio or sushi. For a regional touch, try it alongside zander (pike-perch) in Riesling sauce, or even seasonal white asparagus with Hollandaise—a classic local partnership. G-Max also holds its own with lightly spiced Asian cuisine, where its purity and depth can shine.

For optimum enjoyment, decant the wine and serve chilled at 10-12°C. This allows the aromatic complexity and nuanced layers to unfurl gracefully in the glass. G-Max, though already impressive, will gain further subtlety and complexity with careful ageing over the next decade or more.