Gut Hermannsberg Riesling Kupfergrube Großes Gewächs Reserve 2019 white

Gut Hermannsberg Riesling Kupfergrube Großes Gewächs Reserve 2019 is a profound, dry Nahe Riesling from one of Germany’s most storied steep-slope vineyards. Sourced from old vines in the legendary Kupfergrube site, this Reserve bottling spends extended time on the lees, gaining a layered, almost Burgundian texture without losing its razor-sharp precision. It’s a wine for serious Riesling lovers: powerful, mineral-driven and built to age gracefully.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Kupfergrube GG Reserve shows a pale to medium lemon color with luminous green highlights, hinting at both youth and concentration. The nose is intense and refined, with notes of lime zest, white peach and green apple wrapped in smoke, crushed rock and flint, alongside subtler hints of herbs, dried flowers and a touch of brioche from the extended lees contact. On the palate, this Riesling is dry, tightly woven and impressively structured, balancing ripe stone-fruit and citrus with a firm, pulsating acidity. The volcanic melaphyr soils translate into a pronounced, almost tactile minerality, giving the wine a savory, salty edge and great length. The extended aging in barrel and on the lees lends a fine, creamy texture and a subtle, Chablis-like roundness that softens the otherwise steely profile. This 2019 Reserve has excellent aging potential: it will reward 8–15 years in the cellar, gaining complexity, spice and honeyed nuances while the mineral core remains intact.

Production
The Kupfergrube vineyard is a dramatic, south-facing steep slope on volcanic melaphyr soils that store heat and lend a distinctive, powerful minerality to the wines. The old Riesling vines, many between 30 and 70 years of age, grow in terraces with inclines of up to 60%, protected from wind and benefiting from optimal sun exposure. Harvest is carried out by hand in multiple passes to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes it into the cellar. After a gentle pressing, the must is fermented slowly, typically with a focus on preserving purity and tension, before the wine is left for an extended period on the fine lees in large neutral vessels. This prolonged lees aging—over many months and in the Reserve even longer—polishes the wine’s edges, adds texture and depth, and integrates the vineyard’s characteristic, sometimes severe mineral backbone into a more refined, harmonious whole.

Food & Serving
This is a gastronomic Riesling that shines with refined dishes. Pair it with shellfish such as oysters, scallops or lobster, or with elegant fish preparations, especially those with beurre blanc, citrus or lightly creamy sauces. It also works beautifully with fine poultry, veal, or pork served with root vegetables, as well as sophisticated vegetable dishes and subtly spiced Asian cuisine. Serve at 9–11 °C (48–52 °F) to allow the aromatics and texture to unfold. Decanting for 30–60 minutes in its youth is recommended to open up the nose and soften the structure; older bottles can be served without decanting, pouring gently off any sediment.

Producer
Gut Hermannsberg is one of Germany’s historic Riesling estates, with roots dating back to the early 20th century when it was founded as a state domain dedicated to top-quality dry Riesling. Located on the Nahe, the estate is surrounded by a remarkable collection of steep, slate and volcanic vineyard sites, with Kupfergrube counted among its crown jewels. Over the years, Gut Hermannsberg has played a key role in shaping the reputation of Nahe Riesling, particularly for powerful, mineral-driven dry wines. As a member of the VDP (Germany’s association of top estates) and a recognized producer of Großes Gewächs, the winery consistently earns high acclaim from international critics and collectors for its precise, ageworthy Rieslings that express the character of their singular terroirs.