Wines Rheinhessen Keller - Kirchspiel - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Keller’s Kirchspiel 2022 from Rheinhessen represents one of Germany’s finest expressions of dry Riesling. The vineyard, Kirchspiel, is renowned for its south-east exposure and limestone-rich soils, which provide a unique mineral backbone to the wine. The 2022 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, with sufficient warmth to ensure full ripeness while maintaining the bright acidity characteristic of the region. Fermentation is traditionally carried out in stainless steel and large oak casks, resulting in a precise, crystalline wine with pronounced aromatic purity. The Cuvée Kirchspiel offers layers of citrus fruits, green apple, delicate white peach, and a flinty minerality, finished with vibrant acidity and a long, saline edge.

Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest wine-growing area, set along the gently rolling hills between the Rhine and Nahe rivers. Historically, this region has undergone an exciting transformation from bulk wine to quality-centric production, with estates like Keller leading the renaissance. The climate is temperate continental, offering warm summers and mild winters, ideal for slow, even ripening. The predominance of limestone and loess soils imparts freshness, structure, and complexity to the wines, especially Riesling, which thrives here. Over centuries, Rheinhessen has fostered a multi-faceted winemaking tradition, now celebrated for its innovative spirit and excellence.

Pairing Keller’s Kirchspiel 2022 is a pleasure due to its expressive profile and racy freshness. It shines alongside classic German dishes such as forelle blau (poached trout with herb butter) or a lightly smoked pork schnitzel. Its lively acidity also complements shellfish, sushi, ceviche, or goat’s cheese, while the wine’s subtle texture stands up well to Asian-inspired fare like ginger-infused chicken or mildly spiced Thai salads.

For optimal enjoyment, serve chilled at 8–10°C. Allow the wine a brief period in the glass to develop its bouquet, and if possible, decant gently for young vintages like 2022 to let its mineral complexity reveal itself. Kirchspiel’s vibrancy and ageing potential make it an asset to any cellar, promising further depth over the coming years.