Germany — wine

Nahe Wine Region

Small river valley tributary of Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate; geologically among Germany's most diverse — basalt, slate, sandstone, porphyry, and volcanic soils within a few kilometres. Riesling achieves singular complexity here: more textural and spicy than Mosel, less austere than Rheingau. Often called 'the Burgundy of Germany' for terroir diversity.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Warm growing season; Dönnhoff GGs from Hermannshöhle and Dellchen showing extraordinary depth and concentration
2021 One of the great modern Nahe vintages; Riesling achieved perfect balance between ripeness, acid, and mineral expression
2020 Warm and dry; excellent extraction of GG complexity; some botrytis for Auslese and Spätlese late-harvest
2019 Classic Nahe vintage; Dönnhoff Hermannshöhle GG received exceptional reviews; exceptional ageing potential
2018 Unusually hot and early harvest; GG wines richer and more opulent than typical Nahe style but superbly made
2017 Spring frost reduced yields; concentrated survivors; Dönnhoff's GG particularly impressive from low-yielding blocks
2016 Benchmark Nahe vintage; Hermannshöhle from this year considered one of Dönnhoff's greatest achievements