Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2023

A riesling close to working magic, this semi-sweet white will put anyone who tries it under a spell…

With records dating back to 1121, Willi Schaefer is a benchmark for the Mosel and the wines are coveted not just by collectors, but by other growers.

Since 2015, Christoph Schaefer and his wife Andrea run this storied family winery in Graach. Their winemaking philosophy is not much different than that of Christophs father or grandfather. The focus is not on numbers or analytics, but on how the grapes taste. From harvesting each plot to the fermentations with natural yeast, all the way through bottling, everything is done by taste and feel.

Grape Varietals & Region: 100% Riesling sourced from Willi Schaefer’s Himmelreich vineyards. The vineyard name of Himmelreich, which translates as Kingdom of Heaven, likely comes from the site’s south to southwest exposure. The vineyard’s deep clayey slate soil, cool Mosel climate and perfect sunlight exposure make it a paradise for Riesling.

Taste Profile: Pristine fruit flavours with a breathtaking tension and complexity. Fresh nose of white florals, yellow peach, lime zest, pear and herbs. The luscious mouthfeel produces flavours of candied yellow peach, lime ice cream, honeyed green apple, overripe pineapple and slate. Silky and charming with a fine acidity and minerality. Animated, structured and dry, with a long bitter finish of ripe fruits and herbs.

Winemaking Process: The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed whole cluster, and spontaneously ferment and age in old Fuder barrels.