2020 von Winning "Jesuitengarten" Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Pfalz, Germany
ABOUT THIS WINE
Jesuitengarten is located on the outskirt of Forst directly in the neighborhood of four other prime vineyards: Kirchsenstuck, Ungeheuer, & Pechstein. Due to its high mineral content, optimal available water capacity, and diverse soils of calcareous and clay, sandy loam with limestone rubble, and in some places a high concentration of weathered basalt or humus, this is considered one of the very best vineyards in the Pfalz. The basalt components help warm the east facing site quickly in the morning sun. A west to east breeze cools and dries the grapes in the evening and helps to ensure that even highly ripe grapes remain healthy. The vineyard slopes at 4 to 7 percent and spreads between 100 and 145 metres a.s.l. Exclusively Riesling grows here.
The site was placed in the second highest category in the Bavarian vineyard classification of 1828. The Jesuit Monastery of Neustadt and der Weinstraße was the former owner of the site, which is the origin of its name.
Spontaneous fermentation in 500L barrels, left on the gross lees for 24 months.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no fluke, rather a result of nearly obsessive winemaker Stephan Attman’s commitment to both dedicated cultivation of Deidesheim and Forst’s best sites and meticulous work in the cellar. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards smattered across Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg. Attman’s every decision is informed by great enthusiasm and experiences at estates in the Cote d’Or and abroad. For example, Attman’s newer vines are planted at a very high vine density- 9500 vines per hectare, as opposed to the typically under 5000. This creates competition amongst the vines, forcing the roots to grow deep, naturally reducing yields. Attman has adopted the single cane trellising system, prevalent in Burgundy, and Grosses Gewächs wines ferment in 500mL French barrels. Von Winning practices organic and sustainable viticulture.
Attman describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Gentle clarification, natural and spontaneous fermentation and the abandonment of fining agents create wines with a distinctive indigenous and very elegant style. Pumping the juice or wine is never necessary in the gravity flow winery, allowing for minimal, and gentle vinification.