*Balthasar Ress Hattenheim Nussbrunnen Riesling*

Description

Balthasar Ress Winery started out originally as a guest house back in 1870, a butcher founded the house and slowly over time, the Ress family converted it to what is environmentally today-Balthasar Ress VDP wine estate. With over 45 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, Balthasar Ress is the largest wine grower in the region. The soils are predominantly quartzite and clay slate in the steeper sections of the vineyards which imparts a steely minerality to the wines. The Rheingau is one of the most important wine-growing regions in the world. Its history of producing wine goes back over 1000 years and was one of the first regions to recognize very early on that their vineyard sites held great potential for making exceptional wine. 78% of the plantings in the Rheingau are dedicated just to Riesling. For one of the smallest regions in Germany what it makes up for in size it makes up for in the quality of the wines produced. Balthasar Ress uses extended lees aging for their wines making them age worthy and increasing their complexities. This Riesling is unique because it is a Grosses Gewachs (GG) wine, which is the highest quality classification for German wines. This wine is specific to the Nussbrunnen vineyard which is a highly rated site. Aged in oak barrels the result is a taut, elegant Riesling capable of extended cellar aging. It is characterized by its high acidity, mineral notes, aromas of citrus and stone fruit, and floral notes. It is a clearly structured example that is considered full-bodied for a Riesling and dry. Animated minerality and wonderfully spicy on the finish which seems to never end.

Pairing

Oysters, boiled crab, or chicken in white wine and cream sauce.