IDIG Königsbach Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2024

The IDIG is the flagship wine of the A. Christmann estate in Gimmeldingen: a dry Riesling of depth, finesse and an ethereal tone. Steffen Christmann calls his ideal the prima ballerina among Rieslings — powerful, yet elegant.

The Idig vineyard in Königsbach, first documented in the 14th century, remains undivided to this day and measures four hectares; Christmann owns 95 percent of the classified area. The slope drops steeply toward the south-southeast, resting on solid limestone overlaid with terra fusca limestone scree mixed with variegated sandstone scree and basalt. Idig is one of the few sites in Germany that can claim the rank of Grand Cru.

Pure Riesling, 12.0% ABV. The must spent several hours on the skins, fermented spontaneously and fairly warm, then matured in a large oval cask.

On the nose, fennel seed, white blossom, mint and verbena, along with lime, lemon and bergamot, underlaid by smoke, wet stone with lichen, almond and lanolin. The wine holds groundedness and dancing lightness in tension, with vibrant minerality and that saline note that lends it a silky texture.

With pan-fried turbot and sole, with veal sweetbreads and aged Comté.

The estate has farmed biodynamically since 2003, certified to respekt-BIODYN and EU organic standards. Steffen Christmann, president of the VDP since 2007, runs the 17 hectares together with his daughter Sophie, who joined in 2018.