Schäfer-Fröhlich Felseneck Riesling Spätlese 2020

Schäfer-Fröhlich Felseneck Riesling Spätlese 2020 is a benchmark Nahe Riesling that beautifully balances ripe, late-harvest fruit with razor-sharp precision and minerality. Sourced from the steep, slate-rich Felseneck cru, this Spätlese is picked around ten days after the Kabinett parcels, giving it extra concentration yet retaining remarkable lift and freshness. It’s a quintessential expression of fine German Spätlese: low in alcohol, intensely flavored, and built on a spine of salty, stony energy that has made these wines cult favorites among Riesling lovers worldwide.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 Felseneck Riesling Spätlese shows a pale lemon color with green reflections, hinting at both its youth and its vibrant acidity. The nose is focused and precise, with pure notes of white peach, ripe citrus, green apple, and crunchy pear layered over a darker, smoky slate minerality. Delicate floral hints, a touch of lime zest, and a whisper of crushed herbs add further complexity. On the palate, this wine is light on its feet yet packed with flavor. The sweetness is finely judged—succulent and juicy rather than heavy—wrapped around a core of brisk, mouthwatering acidity. You’ll find flavors of stone fruit, citrus oil, and orchard fruit, all driven along by a distinctive salty, slatey character that lingers long after each sip. The low alcohol (around 7.5%) makes it feel incredibly drinkable, but the structure and mineral backbone suggest excellent aging potential; over 10–20 years, it will gain layers of honeyed nuance, smoky depth, and even more complexity while the sweetness and acidity knit together seamlessly.

Production
The Felseneck vineyard is one of the Nahe’s top sites, a steep, stony hillside with predominantly slate and volcanic soils that give the wine its signature tension and mineral drive. This Spätlese is harvested by hand from the south-facing portion of the cru, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining intense freshness. Picked roughly ten days after the Kabinett fruit, the grapes arrive at the cellar in small crates, where they undergo careful selection. Fermentation is carried out slowly with a gentle, cool regime—typically in stainless steel or traditional large old casks—to preserve purity and detail. The wine is then left on its fine lees, enhancing texture and complexity without sacrificing the crystalline precision that defines Schäfer-Fröhlich’s style.

Food & Serving
The 2020 Felseneck Riesling Spätlese is exceptionally versatile at the table, shining alongside spicy Asian cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese, or lightly spiced Sichuan), aromatic curries, and dishes with a touch of sweetness or heat. It pairs beautifully with dishes such as roasted duck with fruit compote, pork belly, sushi and sashimi, or soft, creamy cheeses like young goat cheese or a mild blue. Serve well-chilled, ideally at around 8–10°C, to accentuate its freshness and precision. Decanting is not essential, but giving the wine 15–20 minutes in the glass helps it open up and reveal more layers of fruit and mineral complexity, especially in its youth.

Producer
Schäfer-Fröhlich is one of the leading estates in the Nahe and among the elite Riesling producers of Germany. Based in Bockenau, the family-run winery has steadily risen to prominence under Tim Fröhlich, who has earned a reputation for crafting intensely mineral, finely etched Rieslings from some of the region’s steepest and most coveted sites, including Felseneck. With meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and an unwavering commitment to expressing terroir, the estate has garnered top scores and critical acclaim from major wine publications. Schäfer-Fröhlich’s wines—especially those from Felseneck—are now widely regarded as reference points for modern, precision-driven German Riesling.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.