Wines Unspecified Keller - von der Fels - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Keller’s “von der Fels” 2021 is a dry white wine hailing from the highly regarded Rheinhessen region of Germany. This cuvée is crafted primarily from Riesling, often sourced from a selection of younger vines in some of Keller’s top classified vineyard sites. The wine showcases the typical clarity, precision, and purity of the estate’s style, reflecting meticulous vineyard work and a gentle vinification process that prioritises expression of terroir. The 2021 vintage in Rheinhessen was cooler than average, yielding wines with remarkable freshness, lively acidity, and finesse, while the “von der Fels” impresses with its zesty citrus notes, hints of white peach, green apple, and underlying stony minerality.

The Rheinhessen region, positioned south of Rheingau and along the Rhine, is Germany’s largest wine-growing area and is currently experiencing a resurgence, driven by outstanding producers such as Keller. The region benefits from a temperate continental climate moderated by proximity to the river, resulting in a long ripening season. The soils are predominantly limestone, marl, and clay, lending wines both fine minerality and complexity. Historically, Rheinhessen wines have gained renewed international recognition over recent decades for their quality and vibrancy, standing alongside the best expressions of dry German Riesling.

This dry, racy Riesling suits a variety of food pairings. Its crisp acidity and vibrant purity make it ideal with seafood such as seared scallops, oysters, or grilled langoustines. It is also an excellent companion to Asian cuisine, where it can balance lightly spiced dishes or tempura. For a regional pairing, try it with “Forelle Müllerin Art” (pan-fried trout), or accompany traditional German white asparagus with hollandaise sauce for a seasonal treat.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Keller’s “von der Fels” 2021 well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Allow the wine a few moments in the glass—it will reveal greater aromatic complexity as it warms slightly, displaying both youthful vibrancy and the layered mineral character so characteristic of top Rheinhessen Riesling.