Germany — wine
Rheingau
The Rheingau is where the Rhine briefly flows east-west, giving south-facing slopes of Taunus quartzite and slate maximum sun exposure. The 30km stretch from Hochheim to Rüdesheim produces Riesling of power, richness, and structure — different from Mosel's ethereal delicacy. Schloss Johannisberg, planted by Benedictines in 1130, is credited with discovering Spätlese (late harvest) wine after a messenger was delayed bringing harvest permission. Erstes Gewächs (First Growth) classification introduced 1999 parallels Burgundy's Premier Cru.
Benchmark products
Vintage assessments
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Outstanding Rheingau vintage; south-facing Riesling of exceptional mineral precision and classical German elegance |
| 2022 | 90 | Warm vintage favoured the Rheingau's naturally fuller style. GGs show immediate appeal; drinking window begins earlier than cooler years. |
| 2021 | — | Ideal growing season with warm summer and cool autumn. Rieslings of great concentration and freshness, exceptional Spätlesen and Auslesen. |
| 2020 | — | Warm, dry year producing powerful, rich Rieslings with good natural acidity. GGs show remarkable depth. |
| 2019 | 95 | Benchmark Rheingau year — warm summer with critical moisture preserved acidity. Berg Schlossberg GG of extraordinary mineral precision. The consensus finest Rheingau vintage since 2015. |
| 2018 | — | Hot, dry summer produced full, rich wines. Lower acidity than typical but compensated by extract. |
| 2017 | 93 | Hot, dry vintage — Rheingau GGs of considerable power and body. The Trocken style particularly successful; excellent food-pairing wines with 12-15yr cellaring potential. |
| 2015 | 94 | Excellent Rheingau vintage — powerful, concentrated GGs from Berg Schlossberg, Steinberg, and Schloss Johannisberg. The warmth suited the Rheingau's naturally fuller style; Georg Breuer's GGs are particular highlights. |