Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023

German wines embody a long tradition and a deep connection to the land. German winemakers nurture their vineyards with passion and care, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and character. From the sun-drenched slopes of the Mosel to the cooler sites of the Nahe, Germany offers a remarkable diversity of wine regions and grape varieties. Riesling, Silvaner, and Spätburgunder are just a few of the noble varieties cultivated in Germany, captivating wine enthusiasts worldwide. Each region boasts its own unique characteristics, reflected in the wines – a journey through Germany is, therefore, a journey through a fascinating spectrum of wine styles. Quality and sustainability are paramount, and many estates embrace organic farming methods to protect the environment and preserve the unique aromatic diversity.

Minerality and Elegance

“Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023” is a white wine that encapsulates the essence of the Nahe. It’s a prime example of how to unite artistry, minerality, and elegance in a single glass. Weingut Emrich-Schönleber, a long-established family business, is dedicated to producing high-quality Rieslings. For over 250 years, wine has been cultivated here, with the Schönleber family consistently prioritising quality, sustainability, and the preservation of unique terroir. The estate’s philosophy is based on respect for nature and the pursuit of perfection. Every step, from vine planting to bottling, is carefully considered and individually tailored.

Nahe region

The Nahe region in Rhineland-Palatinate is known for its beautiful landscape and outstanding wines. Gentle hills, picturesque villages, and idyllic vineyards characterise the scenery. The Nahe River meanders through the valley, lending the region a special atmosphere. Vineyards are situated at varying altitudes and are defined by different soil types. Schiefer (slate), quartzite, and sandstone are just some of the rock formations that influence the character of the wines. The region is a popular destination for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. A visit to the Nahe is an unforgettable experience. Wines from the Nahe region are known for their elegance, minerality, and freshness – a reflection of the region’s unique landscapes and traditions.

2023 vintage

The 2023 vintage was a particularly noteworthy year in Germany. Following a cool spring, warm summer temperatures ensured optimal grape ripeness. Harvesting began earlier than usual, yielding wines with exceptional concentration and aromatic complexity. “Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023” is an excellent example of the quality of the 2023 vintage. Careful selection of grapes, gentle handling, and precise maturation have resulted in a wine of exceptional class. A 0.75 l bottle offers a taste experience not to be missed.

Aromatic Profile

“Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023” presents a pale yellow hue with green reflections in the glass. The bouquet is complex and layered. Initially, aromas of exotic fruits, particularly peach and apricot, unfold. These are accompanied by subtle notes of citrus and herbs. Hints of minerality and flint are detectable in the background. The aroma is intense and alluring. The wine is a quality wine that impresses with its balance and harmonious character. It is a dry Riesling that truly lives up to its name. Minerality is a defining characteristic of this wine, lending it a particular depth and complexity.

On the palate, the wine shows a juicy and vibrant character. Acidity is present but harmoniously integrated. Fruit aromas persist and are complemented by a pleasant minerality. The wine has a good structure and a long finish. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now and in several years to come. The aromatic complexity and balance make it an ideal accompaniment to various dishes.

This German Riesling is more than just a beverage. It is an expression of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion. It is a reflection of the unique landscape and culture of the Nahe region. The Schönleber family has made it their goal to produce wines of the highest quality that capture the essence of the region. With “Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023,” they have once again achieved this goal.

Food Pairings & Occasions

This dry white wine is a versatile accompaniment to various dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with fish dishes, particularly pan-fried zander or trout. It is also an excellent choice with seafood, such as prawns or scampi. Vegetarian dishes, such as peach salad with goat cheese or a risotto with asparagus, are also a perfect match for this wine. It can also be an interesting complement to Asian dishes, such as sushi or dim sum. The wine is an ideal apéritif that can also be enjoyed with a light lunch or dinner.

It is suitable for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or romantic dinners. It is also an ideal gift for wine lovers. With a price of approximately £18, it offers exquisite value for money. It is a wine that is suitable for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The quality and character of the wine make it a special experience.

Viticulture & Winemaking

The Riesling grapes for “Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023” come from the best sites of the estate. Vineyards are located on steep slopes with slate soils. Vines are carefully nurtured and harvested by hand. Harvesting is selective, choosing only the best grapes. In the winery, the grapes are gently processed. Must be fermented in stainless-steel tanks and large wooden barrels. Maturation also takes place in stainless-steel tanks and large wooden barrels, with care taken to preserve the wines' natural aromas. The wine is unfiltered to maintain its natural structure.

Weingut Emrich-Schönleber places great emphasis on sustainability and the preservation of natural resources. Vineyards are farmed according to ecological principles. The use of chemical-synthetic pesticides is avoided. Harvesting takes place only when the grapes are optimally ripe. Processing in the winery is gentle and traditional. The wine is bottled and continues to mature there.

Terroir & Distinctiveness

The terroir of the Nahe region is unique. The combination of slate soils, the warm climate, and the cool winds ensures optimal grape ripeness. Slate soils store heat and release it to the vines, leading to intense aroma formation and high minerality. The name “Riesling Mineral” is a testament to this. The wine is characterised by a pronounced minerality that gives it a particular depth and complexity. The Schönleber family has made it their goal to reflect the distinctiveness of the terroir in their wines. With “Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023,” they have once again achieved this goal.

The Schönleber family has been involved in wine production for generations. They have an in-depth understanding of nature and the needs of the vines. They work closely with their employees and place great emphasis on sustainable vineyard management. Weingut Emrich-Schönleber is a family business characterised by passion and tradition.

The Nahe Region

The Nahe wine region is a defined area in Rhineland-Palatinate, as stipulated in § 3 Abs. 1 No. 7 of the German Wine Act. It extends along the Nahe River and its tributaries, the Glan and Alsenz, and encompasses a vineyard area of approximately 4,240 hectares (as of 2022). The region has a wine-growing tradition of over 2,000 years, dating back to Roman times.

Geographically, the area lies between the Hunsrück in the northwest, the Taunus in the north, and the North Palatinate Uplands in the southeast. The economic centre is the spa town of Bad Kreuznach. The Nahe River meanders through a varied low mountain range landscape, with gentle hills and dramatic rock formations.

A distinguishing feature of the growing area is the exceptional diversity of soils. Over 180 different soil types have been identified, including slate, quartzite, porphyry, sandstone, loess, clay, and volcanic rock formations. This diversity shapes wine styles and gives the wines a characteristic minerality and complexity. Vineyards are predominantly located on flat and hilly slopes, while steep slopes only occur in exceptional cases, for example around the Ebernburg.

The distribution of grape varieties shows a clear dominance of white grapes: around 77 percent of the vineyard area is planted with white grape varieties. The main varieties are Riesling (29.2%), Müller-Thurgau (11.4%), Grauburgunder (9.1%), as well as Silvaner and Weißer Burgunder. Among the red varieties, Dornfelder (9.0%) leads, followed by Spätburgunder and Regent. Other approved varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus, and Kerner for whites, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Portugieser for reds.

The wine-growing area is divided into six large sites and approximately 310 single vineyards. The division took place in 1993, after the areas of Kreuznach and Schloßböckelheim had previously been managed separately. In addition to the main valley of the Nahe, vineyards on the tributaries Glan and Alsenz also belong to the area, although these partially lie on Palatinate soil.

The climate in the Nahe is characterised by mild temperatures and low rainfall (500–600 mm per year), which is favoured by the surrounding mountains. The region offers a wide range of wine styles: Riesling wines often show an elegant minerality and acidity, while Burgundy varieties are either fruity or complex depending on the site. Red wines such as Dornfelder or Spätburgunder benefit from the soil diversity and develop into powerful but balanced wines.

The Nahe is also an attractive destination with the 97-kilometre Rhein-Nahe Wine Hiking Trail and the Nahe Wine Route, which runs through the Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park. The region combines viticulture with cultural and scenic highlights, including historic wine villages, spa towns, and geological peculiarities such as the Rotenfels.

Riesling Grape Variety

Riesling is one of the most prestigious grape varieties, known for its lively acidity and diverse aromas shaped by the terroir, gaining worldwide recognition. With 40 percent of global production in Germany and a planting area of 24,233 hectares in 2024, it is an important component of German viticulture. Riesling cultivation sites demand high location requirements (energy) while having low requirements for the soil. Depending on the location and microclimate, very different nuances arise in the wines.

The importance of the Riesling variety lies in its role as a flagship of German viticulture and the worldwide perception of the 13 German growing regions. The largest planting areas for Riesling are in the Palatinate, Rheinhessen, and the Mosel, but considerable areas are also to be found in Württemberg, the Nahe, and Baden.

Riesling wines range from everyday wines to predicate and high-quality quality or cabinet wines. Typical Rieslings show a pale yellow to greenish-yellow color, a dominant peach or apple scent, and a rapid juice in the mouth. With slate soils, mineral notes arise, while some wines have the smell of flint or aged wood.

The natural acidity of Riesling offers potential for good ageing ability and enables the production of sparkling wines. Noble sweet Auslese or ice wines belong to the most highly traded German wines. Optimal drinking maturity varies depending on the wine, but is usually after several years.

The history of Riesling dates back to the 15th century and shows kinship with wild vines. The greatest tradition in cultivation practice can be found in the Rheingau and the Mosel, with historical documents dating back to 1435 and 1465 respectively. International wines such as Champagne often include Riesling under the name “Rheinriesling.” Welschriesling and Schwarzriesling are not relatives of the classic Riesling, however.

Young, crisp Riesling pairs well with pan-fried cod with smoked lamb, and is suitable for a harmonious combination of Nordic cuisine and German wine.

Conclusion

“Weingut Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Mineral 2023” is an exceptional white wine that encapsulates the essence of the Nahe. It’s a prime example of how to unite artistry, minerality, and elegance in a single glass. It is a quality wine that impresses with its balance, harmonious character, and aromatic complexity. A versatile accompaniment to various dishes and suitable for special occasions. With a price of approximately £18, it offers excellent value for money. It is a wine that is suitable for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. A treat not to be missed.

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