2020 Weingut Markus Molitor Riesling Erdener Prälat Auslese *** (White Capsule)

The 2020 Weingut Markus Molitor Riesling Erdener Prälat Auslese *** (White Capsule) is a benchmark dry Mosel Riesling from one of the region’s most legendary vineyard sites. Sourced from the impossibly steep, slate-rich terraces of Erdener Prälat, this is a wine that combines intensity, precision and remarkable finesse. The triple-star (*** ) designation and white capsule indicate Molitor’s top-tier, dry style from this parcel—an exceptionally concentrated yet mineral-driven expression of Riesling.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the wine shows a radiant, pale golden colour with green highlights, hinting at both youth and concentration. The nose is strikingly complex: ripe stone fruits such as white peach and nectarine are layered with citrus oils, tangerine zest, and an undercurrent of crushed slate, smoke, and delicate floral notes—think white blossom and acacia—alongside a subtle hint of herbs. On the palate, this Auslese *** (White Capsule) is dry, powerful and finely etched. Expect a dense core of ripe yellow fruit—apricot, mirabelle and Meyer lemon—woven together with laser-like acidity and a pronounced slatey minerality that drives through to a very long, focused finish. Despite its richness of flavour, the wine remains taut and precise, with a beautiful balance between fruit intensity and structure. The 2020 vintage offers both early approachability and impressive aging potential; properly cellared, this wine can evolve gracefully for 15–25 years or more, developing notes of honey, dried herbs, and petrol while retaining its mineral backbone.

Production
Erdener Prälat is one of the Mosel’s most prized grand-cru sites, a tiny amphitheatre of south- to southwest-facing vines perched on extremely steep slopes of red and grey slate directly above the Mosel River. The combination of heat-retaining slate, optimal sun exposure and reflection from the river creates a uniquely warm microclimate that allows Riesling to reach exceptional ripeness while preserving acidity. At Markus Molitor, all grapes are painstakingly hand-harvested—often in multiple passes—to select only perfectly ripe and pristine berries appropriate for the Auslese *** level. After gentle pressing, fermentation typically takes place with natural yeasts in a mix of stainless steel and large traditional oak foudres, at controlled, cool temperatures to preserve aromatics and terroir expression. Extended lees contact adds complexity and texture, while the dry style is carefully guided so that the residual sugar remains minimal, allowing the vineyard character to shine.

Food & Serving
This is a gastronomic Riesling that pairs beautifully with refined cuisine. Try it with pan-seared scallops, lobster, turbot or other rich white fish preparations—especially with beurre blanc, citrus-inflected sauces, or delicate shellfish reductions. It also shines alongside roasted poultry, veal, or pork tenderloin with light jus, as well as high-quality sushi, sashimi, and subtly spiced Asian dishes (such as ginger- or lemongrass-driven preparations). Mature hard cheeses and semi-soft washed rind cheeses can also be excellent partners. Serve at 9–11°C to highlight its aromatics and structure; in its youth, a gentle decant of 30–60 minutes can help the wine open up and reveal its full complexity.

Producer
Weingut Markus Molitor is one of the most highly regarded estates in the Mosel, renowned for its meticulous, terroir-driven approach and extraordinary range of Rieslings. Founded in 1984 when Markus Molitor took over his family’s centuries-old winegrowing tradition at just 20 years old, the estate has since grown into a benchmark producer for the region, farming some of the Mosel’s most prestigious steep-slope vineyards, including Erdener Prälat, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. Molitor is known for his obsessive vineyard work, rigorous berry-by-berry selection, and detailed classification system using star ratings and capsule colours to indicate style and quality. The winery has earned numerous top scores from international critics and is widely credited with helping to reassert the Mosel’s position as one of the world’s elite regions for Riesling.

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