TASTING 6/10: Germany Uncorked, From Ancient Estates to Modern Masters

Grand European Wine Tour – Wine Wednesday
Rheingau & Rheinhessen
Wednesday | 5:00–7:00 PM

After exploring the steep slate slopes of the Mosel and Ruwer, our Grand European Wine Tour continues eastward to two of Germany’s most influential wine regions: the Rheingau and Rheinhessen.

While the Mosel is celebrated for delicacy and tension, the Rheingau and Rheinhessen represent the heart of Germany’s Riesling tradition, where centuries-old estates stand alongside some of the country’s most innovative producers. These regions produce Rieslings of greater breadth, texture, and power while maintaining the freshness and precision that define Germany’s greatest wines.

The Rheingau

Stretching along the northern bank of the Rhine River, the Rheingau is one of Germany’s most historic wine regions and the birthplace of many of the country’s winemaking traditions. Here, south-facing vineyards benefit from ideal sun exposure while the Rhine acts as a giant reflector, moderating temperatures and extending the growing season.

The region is home to legendary estates such as Schloss Johannisberg, Kloster Eberbach, and Robert Weil. Rheingau Rieslings are often characterized by greater structure and concentration than their Mosel counterparts, combining ripe stone fruit with profound mineral depth and remarkable aging potential.

Rheinhessen

Germany’s largest wine region has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Once known primarily for quantity, Rheinhessen is now the epicenter of Germany’s quality revolution. A new generation of growers has elevated the region through meticulous farming, lower yields, and a focus on terroir.

The rolling hills of Rheinhessen feature diverse soils ranging from limestone and loess to clay and sandstone, producing wines of exceptional complexity and texture. Today, producers such as Gunderloch and Dreissigacker are among Germany’s most sought-after names, crafting wines that rival the finest examples from anywhere in Europe.

Featured Wines

2024 Gunderloch “Jean-Baptiste” Riesling, Rheinhessen
2021 Robert Weil Riesling Trocken, Rheingau
M.V. Dreissigacker “Vintages” Riesling, Rheinhessen
1992 Wegeler Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Auslese, Rheingau (500ml)

Featured Producers

Gunderloch
Founded in 1890 and based in Nackenheim, Gunderloch farms some of the most celebrated vineyards along the famed Roter Hang. Their wines combine bright fruit, mineral tension, and exceptional precision, making them one of Rheinhessen’s benchmark estates.

Weingut Robert Weil
Few names are more synonymous with Rheingau Riesling than Robert Weil. Founded in 1875, the estate produces some of Germany’s most collectible wines, known for their elegance, longevity, and remarkable expression of site.

Dreissigacker
Jochen Dreissigacker has become one of the leaders of Germany’s modern wine movement. Through organic farming and meticulous vineyard work, he produces Rieslings that are simultaneously powerful, mineral-driven, and beautifully precise.

Wegeler
Established in 1882, Weingut Wegeler is one of Germany’s historic estates and a pioneer of long-term Riesling aging. Their library releases provide a rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary ability of German Riesling to evolve gracefully over decades.

A Rare Opportunity

The highlight of this week’s tasting may be the 1992 Wegeler Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Auslese. More than thirty years old, this wine offers a fascinating glimpse into the longevity of great German Riesling. Expect layers of honey, dried apricot, citrus marmalade, and complex tertiary notes balanced by the vibrant acidity that allows these wines to age so beautifully.

Join us as we continue our journey through Germany and discover why the Rheingau and Rheinhessen remain among the world’s greatest sources of age-worthy white wines.

10% off all featured wines during the tasting.