Königsbacher IDIG Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2022

A Grosses Gewächs that holds its greatness in reserve. Young, the wine appears closed, and what comes through first is the limestone soil: sea shell and a touch of ocean breeze. With air, ethereal citrus notes and herbs emerge, linden blossom and acacia, followed after a day of opening by wild raspberry and cassis. In the glass, an intense, luminous golden yellow.

At four hectares, the IDIG is the heart of the A. Christmann estate; 95 percent of the classified site belongs to the family. First documented in the 14th century as an estate of the Palatinate electors' chamber, the vineyard descends steeply toward the south-southeast. A gentle wind sweeps constantly through the Klausental valley from the Stabenberg, keeping the grapes healthy for longer. Beneath lies a massive limestone bedrock from the Tertiary period, topped with terra fusca made of limestone and clay, interspersed with limestone rocks and some basalt that the estate's owners brought to the vineyard from the Forster Pechsteinkopf around 150 years ago.

100 percent Riesling, selective hand harvest into small crates, spontaneously fermented in large wooden casks. Vinified dry, 12.0% vol.

Precise and clear on the tongue: vibrant acidity, saline minerality, alongside a dense structure of fruit and depth. "The soil is reflected in the saline tone that gives the wines elegance and a silky texture," says Steffen Christmann. The wine needs time; if opened now, decant it and serve it not too cold in a sufficiently large glass.

Pumpkin gnocchi with rosemary, wild herb salad and wild raspberry dressing, foie gras terrine with sea salt and brioche, or pan-seared veal sweetbreads with white truffle risotto.

The estate has been biodynamic since 2003, certified to respekt-BIODYN and EU organic standards; Steffen and Sophie Christmann run it together.