Georg Breuer has vines on 3.5 hectares of the Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg. With an inclination of 70%, this is the steepest vineyard in the Rheingau. Its name derives from the Ehrenfels castle ruins above the Rhine Gorge. Heat-absorbing weathered slate with loess and loam give ideal ripening conditions for Riesling which thrives on the high mineral content of the soil.
2017 was a vintage full of challenges. It started with a short cold winter. Early bud break was caused by spring-like temperatures from mid-February to mid-April. Our vineyards luckily spared the frost at the end of April. In the middle of May warm weather encouraged the growth of vegetation. The vineyards of Rüdesheim escaped the harsh winds and hail in August while the Rauenthal vineyards suffered damage.
We overcame some obstacles in September such as increased rainfall which lead to mould development due to bursting grapes, and high wasp activity. Overall these conditions lead to an early harvest starting in the beginning of September and ending on the 7th of October after a strict selection.
Farming is 100% organic (Georg Breuer is certified by Fair & Green), 100% healthy, ripe fruit, no maceration, whole cluster pressing, fermentation in old German wooden barrels (600-litre and 1,200 -litre), one racking after the fermentation and then a storage period on the fine lees for about seven months. Alcohol 12%; RS 5.3g/L; total acidity 7.8g/L.
Here immense power and finesse come together. Salty and juicy at the same time. A lot of mineral spiciness. Delicate scent of stone fruits and orange skin. A Riesling with elegant style and fine tannins. Very long lasting and with a monumental depth. - Theresa Breuer
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