Weingut Wittmann Westhofener Riesling Trocken 2018, Rheinhessen, Germany

The Wittmann family has been growing grapes and producing wine in the small Rheinhessen village of Westhofen since 1663. Today, the estate cultivates 62 acres of vines in the rolling limestone hills found in the southern part of the region, just west of the Rhine river valley. They have been pioneers in developing the full-bodied, well-balanced style of dry wines for which the region has become known. And they were early adopters of organic (1990) and biodynamic (2004) viticulture. Riesling is the dominant grape variety, accounting for 65% of the estate’s vineyard area. They also produce the three Pinot varieties (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir), as well as Silvaner. In addition, small quantities of Scheurebe, Chardonnay and some minor varieties are grown. This is the estate’s “village” wine (VDP.Ortswein), selected from younger blocks (5 to 15 years) in the Grosse Lage (grand cru) Morstein and Brunnenhauschen vineyards. It is a selective hand-harvest of fully ripe grapes that are gently pressed and naturally fermented in large, neutral oak casks. Rich in mineral tones, this wine shows the great potential of these top sites.