2020 Schlossgut Diel 'Diel de Diel'

An unspecified field blend of blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and bit of Riesling for freshness— farmed sustainably, fermented in stainless with native yeasts and aged in neutral large barrel with extended lees contact. An easy-drinking white, this delivers notes of apricot pastry up-front, followed by some jasmine-flavored green tea. Easy-going, elegant and mouthwatering.  This crisp and juicy white blend has a little bit of bottle age it, which has rounded and softened the palate. Citrus, stone fruit, pear, red apple, honeydew melon, white pepper and wet stone. Medium bodied and dry, with acidity that’s still very fresh. Excellent food accompaniement. Fans of Grüner Veltliner will love this. It is light, and it would be interesting with smoked fish and green vegetables.

The Schlossgut Diel vineyards, castle and winery are of great historical significance. The winery was purchased by the Diel family in 1802 from Baron Dalberg, who had managed to prevent its confiscation by Napoleon’s troops in 1789. Today the winery is owned by prominent gourmand and wine aficionado Armin Diel, well regarded for his work to promote German wine, and whose daughter Caroline is now winemaker and proprietor. Diel’s offerings are a study in both terroir and differences in intensity achieved at various levels of ripeness. Diel is one of few who still vinifies each Grosses Gewächs site at each Pradikät. Located in the lower Nahe on a steep south-facing slope, the 3 vineyards Goldloch, Burgberg and Pittermännchen comprise Diel’s esteemed holdings and were documented as early as 1901 as producing wines of exceptional quality. Organic viticulture is practiced as much as the steep slopes permit. The fruit is either whole-cluster pressed or, if vintage necessitates, destemmed by hand so as not to break skins and warrant oxidation. Fermentation is carried out spontaneously in stuckfass, doppelstuck, and cement tanks, with small barrels used for the red wines.