Wines Rheinhessen Wagner-Stempel - Heerkretz - 2021

Viniou Reviews

The 2021 Heerkretz Cuvée from Wagner-Stempel is a dry white wine, emblematic of the Rheinhessen region’s modern precision and finesse. Crafted from grapes sourced from the renowned Heerkretz vineyard—a site celebrated for its volcanic origins—the wine is typically a blend featuring Riesling, sometimes with additional subtle varietals such as Silvaner or Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), although Riesling remains the region’s flagship. The 2021 vintage in Rheinhessen was defined by a cool climate and a long growing season, which allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving aromatic intensity and vibrant acidity. Wagner-Stempel practices meticulous vineyard management and uses a combination of stainless steel and old oak barrels during vinification, resulting in a wine with mineral tension, crystalline purity, and complex citrus and white stone fruit notes.

Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest wine region, situated on beautifully rolling hills between the Rhine and Nahe rivers. The soils here are diverse, but the Heerkretz vineyard is particularly valued for its volcanic and clay slate composition, imparting a pronounced minerality and elegance to the wines. Historically, Rheinhessen was known more for quantity than quality, but over the past two decades, visionary producers like Wagner-Stempel have elevated its reputation, focusing on terroir-driven, expressive wines. The region enjoys a temperate continental climate, benefitting from warm summers and relatively mild winters, promoting slow, even grape ripening and the development of expressive aromatics.

This expressive and mineral-driven white wine pairs perfectly with delicate dishes such as pan-seared sea bass, sashimi, or a goat’s cheese salad. For a regional match, try it with a classic Rheinhessen speciality like Handkäse mit Musik (a tangy marinated cheese) or trout poached in Riesling. Its freshness and acidity also work beautifully alongside lightly spiced Asian cuisine or a lemon and herb roasted chicken.

To appreciate the aromatic complexity and mineral backbone of the 2021 Heerkretz Cuvée, serve it chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up, and consider using a tulip-shaped white wine glass to focus its vibrant bouquet. This wine will also reward short-term cellaring, developing further complexity over the next 3-5 years.