Maximin Grünhaus Riesling Abtsberg Spätlese 2022 white

From one of the Mosel’s most storied slate slopes, Maximin Grünhaus Riesling Abtsberg Spätlese 2022 captures the finesse, precision and long-lived charm that have made this site legendary. This is a classic, finely etched German Spätlese: delicately sweet, vibrantly fresh and deeply mineral, with a focus on purity rather than power. Sourced exclusively from the steep, blue-slate terraces of the Abtsberg, it offers a benchmark expression of Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Riesling with outstanding aging potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Abtsberg Spätlese typically shows a pale, shimmering lemon hue with green highlights, hinting at both youth and freshness. The nose is intensely fruit-driven yet finely detailed, with aromas of ripe yellow apples, white peach and hints of citrus zest. Underneath the fruit lie subtle herbal nuances—think thyme, lemon verbena and balm—alongside delicate floral tones that add lift and complexity. On the palate, this Riesling is poised and elegant, balancing its natural sweetness with a taut, finely woven acidity. Juicy stone and orchard fruits are joined by citrus notes that bring a cool, refreshing edge, while the blue-slate minerality provides a clear, stony backbone. The residual sugar is present but beautifully integrated, wrapped in freshness rather than heaviness, leading to a long, precise and aromatic finish. Abtsberg Spätlese is renowned for its capacity to age gracefully over decades; given the pedigree of the site and style, the 2022 has excellent cellaring potential, promising increasing complexity and tertiary nuances with time.

Production
Abtsberg is the flagship vineyard of Maximin Grünhaus, a steep, south- to south-west-facing slope composed predominantly of blue slate, with inclines of up to 75%. This unique terroir, combined with its sun exposure and cool Saar influences, yields Rieslings of remarkable tension, purity and aromatic depth. The grapes are typically hand-harvested in multiple passes (selective picking), allowing the team to capture perfectly ripe, healthy bunches at Spätlese ripeness. In the cellar, the juice is gently pressed and fermented slowly, often with ambient yeasts, in traditional methods that may include large old oak casks and/or stainless steel, preserving the wine’s fine fruit, natural sweetness–acidity balance and clear expression of site. The result is a Spätlese that is both delicately textured and structurally refined, true to the Abtsberg’s singular character.

Food & Serving
This Abtsberg Spätlese is highly versatile at the table. Its delicate sweetness and bright acidity make it a superb match for spicy Asian cuisine (Thai curries, Vietnamese dishes, Sichuan), aromatic dishes with ginger or lemongrass, and refined poultry or pork recipes with fruit-based sauces. It also pairs beautifully with soft, creamy cheeses and can be an elegant partner to fruit-driven desserts that are not overly sweet, such as poached pears or apple tart. Serve well-chilled, ideally around 8–10°C (46–50°F), to emphasize freshness and aromatic lift. Decanting is generally not necessary, but opening the bottle a little in advance or using larger white-wine glasses will help the wine unfold its full spectrum of aromas.

Producer
Maximin Grünhaus – Weingut der Familie von Schubert is one of the historic estates of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, with roots that trace back many centuries and a reputation built on its three famous monopole vineyards: Abtsberg, Herrenberg and Bruderberg. Situated near the village of Mertesdorf on the Ruwer, the estate has long been regarded as a benchmark for classically styled, finely balanced Rieslings that age magnificently. Under the stewardship of the von Schubert family, Maximin Grünhaus has combined deep respect for tradition with meticulous vineyard work and careful cellar practices, earning consistent acclaim from international critics and collectors. Abtsberg, in particular, is recognized as one of Germany’s great Riesling sites, and its Spätlesen rank among the country’s most sought-after and ageworthy wines.