2020 Weingut Wittmann Niersteiner Riesling Aus Ersten Lagen BIO

The 2020 Weingut Wittmann Niersteiner Riesling Aus Ersten Lagen BIO is a standout dry Riesling from one of Rheinhessen’s most acclaimed biodynamic estates. Sourced from top “Erste Lage” classified sites in Nierstein’s famed Roter Hang, it combines concentration, tension and elegance in equal measure. Crafted in very limited quantities due to strict yield reduction, this wine captures the aromatic generosity of 2018 and the mineral precision of 2019 in a single, beautifully balanced vintage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Riesling shows an intense straw-yellow hue with bright, shimmering reflections that hint at both ripeness and vibrancy. The nose is pure yet complex, opening with citrus blossom, lemon zest and ripe stone fruit, layered over a distinctly mineral, almost chalky and stony character despite its Rotliegend (red slate) origins. Subtle notes of green apple, white peach, crushed herbs and a whisper of wet rock give the bouquet depth and lift. On the palate, the wine is rounded and silky at first, quickly tightened by a fine, precise acidity that drives it through to a long, fresh and elegant finish. There is a lovely interplay between creamy mid-palate texture and a linear, saline minerality. Flavours of lemon, lime, white peach and a touch of grapefruit peel are wrapped in a refined, almost smoky stone character from the Roter Hang. The finish is clean and finely gripping, with lingering citrus and mineral notes. While already charming and accessible now, this 2020 has the structure and acidity to age gracefully for 8–12 years, gaining even more complexity and nuance in bottle.

Production
The grapes for this cuvée come from Nierstein’s renowned “Roter Hang,” a steep, south-facing slope of ancient red slate (Rotliegend) soils that sits directly above the Rhine, around 20 km north of Westhofen. This unique terroir delivers both ripeness and a vibrant, mineral backbone, assisted by the moderating influence of the river and a slightly different microclimate than Wittmann’s Westhofen holdings. Farmed according to strict biodynamic principles, the vines are tended with low yields in mind to maximize concentration and terroir expression. Harvest is done by hand, allowing meticulous selection of perfectly ripe, healthy fruit. In the cellar, Wittmann follows a minimalist, time-honoured approach: gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and extended lees ageing in traditional large wooden casks, all under stable, cool conditions in the historic vaulted cellar. The result is a wine of precision, clarity and depth that expresses its origin with remarkable purity.

Food & Serving
This Niersteiner Riesling is a superb partner for refined, flavourful dishes that benefit from its tension and minerality. It pairs beautifully with freshwater fish (trout, pike-perch, char), sushi and sashimi, ceviche, and shellfish such as scallops or prawns. It also complements lightly spiced Asian cuisine, citrus-accented poultry, veal in cream sauces and vegetable-driven dishes like asparagus, fennel or herb-infused risottos. Serve chilled at around 9–11°C to highlight its freshness and precision. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes can help the wine open up aromatically, especially in its youth, revealing more of its stony complexity and silky texture.

Producer
Weingut Wittmann, based in Westhofen in Rheinhessen, is one of Germany’s reference estates for dry, terroir-driven Riesling and a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region. The Wittmann family has been cultivating vines here since the 17th century, with more than 15 generations and roughly 350 vintages shaping their deep understanding of site and soil. In 1829, the family built the vaulted cellar that still houses their wines today, where constant temperature and humidity provide ideal conditions for long, patient maturation in 80 large wooden casks—some dating back to 1890—each dedicated to the harvest of a single vineyard. Under the guidance of winemaker Philipp Wittmann, the estate has earned international acclaim for the precision, purity and ageworthiness of its Grosse Lage and Erste Lage Rieslings, securing its reputation as one of the leading producers in Rheinhessen and in Germany as a whole.