2021 Weingut Wittmann Brunnenhauschen Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewachs BIO

The 2021 Weingut Wittmann Brunnenhäuschen Riesling Trocken Grosses Gewächs BIO is a commanding dry Riesling from one of Rheinhessen’s most acclaimed biodynamic estates. Sourced from the VDP.Grosse Lage Brunnenhäuschen vineyard, this wine marries ripe, concentrated fruit with a striking, stony precision that is the hallmark of Germany’s very best sites. Bottled in small quantities and highly allocated, it is a serious cellar-worthy Riesling for discerning collectors and terroir enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Brunnenhäuschen GG shows a bright, pale lemon color with green reflections, hinting at both youth and tension. The nose is intense yet refined, opening with aromas of ripe citrus—lime, Meyer lemon and grapefruit zest—woven together with stone fruits, crushed herbs, white pepper and a deep, cool, stony minerality. Subtle notes of spice and wild flowers add complexity as it opens in the glass. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied for a dry Riesling, with a firm, linear backbone and remarkable precision. Juicy citrus and stone-fruit flavors are layered over a core of saline, chalky minerality and a touch of herbal spice. The texture is powerful yet finely knit, supported by fresh, vibrant acidity and very fine, almost tactile tannins that give shape and grip. The finish is long, pure and focused, with a beautiful interplay between citrus brightness and mineral depth. This 2021 has excellent aging potential; expect it to evolve gracefully over 10–15 years or more, gaining layers of honey, herbs and savory complexity while retaining its underlying freshness.

Production
Brunnenhäuschen is a VDP.Grosse Lage vineyard located just east of the famed Morstein site in Westhofen, at elevations up to 240 meters above sea level. Although it faces due south and receives intense sunshine, the higher altitude and cooling westerly winds ensure a long, slow ripening season, preserving acidity and aromatic detail. The soils are primarily clay marl interspersed with limestone and limestone rock, giving the wine its dense, precise character, while pockets of Terra Rossa—red soils rich in iron oxide—contribute a distinctive creamy, mineral texture to the Riesling. Weingut Wittmann farms this site biodynamically, with meticulous work in the vineyard and low yields to capture maximum terroir expression. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, carefully sorted, and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts, and the wine is matured slowly in traditional large wooden casks in the historic vaulted cellar, under constant, cool conditions that allow the wine to develop depth, finesse and clarity without excess oak influence.

Food & Serving
This Brunnenhäuschen Grosses Gewächs is a superb partner for refined, flavor-intense cuisine. Pair it with dishes such as poached or grilled turbot, halibut or sea bass, sushi and sashimi, scallops with citrus beurre blanc, or lobster with herb butter. It also shines alongside fine poultry like roasted corn-fed chicken, veal in light cream sauces, or delicately spiced Asian dishes with ginger, lemongrass or mild curry. The wine’s structure and minerality make it a natural fit for dishes featuring root vegetables and fennel, as well as aged hard cheeses and semi-soft goat’s cheese. Serve at 9–11 °C (48–52 °F) in a generous white wine or Riesling glass. Young bottles will benefit from 30–60 minutes of decanting to fully reveal their depth; older vintages can be served directly from the bottle, with gentle handling.

Producer
Weingut Wittmann, based in Westhofen in Rheinhessen, is one of Germany’s benchmark estates for dry Riesling and biodynamic viticulture. The Wittmann family has been growing grapes in Westhofen since the 17th century, with a heritage that spans more than 15 generations and around 350 vintages. This long history underpins a deep understanding of their vineyards, including top sites such as Brunnenhäuschen and Morstein. Under the stewardship of winemaker Philipp Wittmann, the estate has become a flagbearer for precise, terroir-driven, organically and biodynamically farmed wines. The wines mature in a vaulted cellar built in 1829, where around 80 traditional wooden casks—some dating back to 1890—house single-vineyard lots under stable temperature and humidity. As a leading member of the VDP (the association of Germany’s top estates), Wittmann plays a key role in defining the modern style of Grosses Gewächs: dry, focused, and profoundly expressive of their originating sites, with numerous top ratings and international acclaim to their name.