Markus Molitor Schiefersteil Riesling 2020

Markus Molitor, hailing from an esteemed lineage of winemakers spanning eight generations within the Molitor family, assumed the winemaking mantle from his father in the mid-1980s. His purpose was clear: to forge an exceptional range of Riesling wines from the Mosel region in Germany. Today, he stands as a venerated figure, often referred to by emerging winemakers as the quintessential Riesling advocate within the German wine landscape. Markus Molitor's approach revolves around the core ethos of crafting wines that remain authentic to their origins, both within the vineyard and the cellar. He embraces a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the inherent character of the terroirs to shine through unadulterated.

Over the years of wine history, the German Rieslings stemming from the Mosel and Saar territories have held a position of prestige, surpassing even the prices of revered Burgundy and Bordeaux offerings. Elevated vineyards dotted across the landscapes of Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer, coupled with the unique microclimate and the inherent beauty of these terroirs, contributed to the creation of Rieslings distinguished by their remarkable minerality and elegant profiles.

The 2020 Schiefersteil is a classic Riesling with a nose of clear, slate-mineral, ripe yellow fruit aromatics. Delicate, full of finesse, persistently mineral, very invigorating.

The grapes for this Riesling originate from various steep slopes of a vineyard, characterised by blue-grey Devonian slate. The grapes were harvested in October, gently crushed, and briefly macerated. Subsequently, the juice underwent a slow and cool spontaneous fermentation, allowing the wine's complex, fruity aroma to fully develop. Gentle ageing took place in stainless steel tanks as well as partially in large oak barrels, with extended maturation on the fine lees following fermentation.