2015 Ernst Bretz Riesling Spätlese

100% estate and sustainably Riesling grown on clay and loess soils in the village of Bechtolsheim. Native yeast fermentation. Spätlese (literal meaning: “late harvest”; plural form is Spätlesen) is a German wine term for a wine from fully ripe grapes, the lightest of the late harvest wines. Riper than Kabinett, but not as sweet as Auslese. 

Great value on a nice little bottle of sweet Riesling with some bottle age on it! This has aromas of linden, white flowers, mild honeysuckle, and hints of grapefruit along with older Riesling’s characteristic petrol smell. The relatively mild aromatics then evolve into much fuller flavors of red cherries, wildflower honey, sweet pink grapefruit, and perfectly ripe honeydew melon. The strong fruit core is complemented by a very smooth medium to full body, refreshing acidity providing good balance, and a full finish. This is definitely a Spatlese with some residual sugar but the perfect balance and acidity provides very good structure.

The village of Bechtolsheim is situated in the heart of Rheinhessen, at the foot of the Petersberg hill, a landmark offering a superb view across the wine-growing countryside. The Bretz family has been producing wine since 1721, now in its 10th generation, with 27-year old Victoria Bretz now running the show. The wine estate itself dates back to the 17th Century when it belonged to the Welchnonnen Convent (nunnery) of Mainz. An old stone relief was found in the courtyard relating to the Convent. The wine-making tradition is today continued by the two sons, Horst & Harald Bretz. Around 70 acres of vines are cultivated, with most of the vineyards on the slopes of Petersberg from where one can enjoy magnificent views of the Taunus or Donnersberg. The vines are planted in multiple small plots that create a unique microclimate that make the region suitable for the growth and cultivation of grapes. The main varieties include Riesling, Spätburgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Weißer Burgunder, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. The workers manually pick the best grapes and use them to make their famous red, white, rose, sparkling, and dessert wines. Fermentation in steel tanks with ageing in wood barrels gives the wines an intense flavor and taste that is typical of the gifted Rheinhessen terrain.