Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Weingut Markus Molitor

The Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb from Markus Molitor already catches the eye in the glass. This white wine cuvée made from ripe Riesling grapes shines clear in light straw yellow with fine, silvery reflections. This color mirrors the cool Mosel site, the steep slate slope and the careful harvest. Already with the first swirl, elegant aromas rise, precisely revealing the character of Mosel Riesling.

The bouquet is multi-layered and very delicate. At its core stands the scent of wet slate, like after a summer rain in the vineyard. Juicy notes of ripe peach, yellow nectarine and subtle vineyard peach join in. Lemon provides taut freshness, accompanied by lime zest and a hint of grapefruit. With a bit of air, floral tones appear, white blossoms and lemon balm. Very discreet hints of honey, herbs and a touch of smoke underscore the mineral core.

On the palate, Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Markus Molitor shows a clear, precise style. The off-dry residual sweetness is perfectly integrated and meets a lively, juicy acidity. This creates a fascinating tension that keeps the wine taut and elegant. Ripe peach, lemon and lime juice vie with the salty minerality of the slate. The wine feels concentrated, yet clear and focused. Nothing seems heavy, everything remains fresh and animating.

In the mid-palate it reveals a fine texture with delicate creaminess. The fruit remains crystal clear, the acidity appears brilliant. Subtle herbal accents and a hint of spice add extra depth. The minerality of wet stone runs like a common thread through the entire tasting. The wine glides elegantly across the palate and leaves a cool, almost salty sensation on the tongue.

The finish is long, precise and very clearly defined. Citrus notes and slate linger for a long time, joined by some candied lemon and a hint of honey. The off-dry style makes you want to reach for the next sip again and again. This wine shows the classic interplay of the Mosel: ripe fruit, fine sweetness, vibrant acidity and distinctive minerality. A stylish, exciting Mosel Riesling for connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

The characteristic impressions at a glance:

1. Color: clear straw yellow with silvery reflections, radiant and inviting.

2. Nose: wet slate, ripe peach, lemon, lime zest, white blossoms, delicate herbs.

3. Palate: off-dry, juicy acidity, concentrated yet clear, lots of stone fruit and citrus, salty minerality.

4. Structure: balanced, elegant, with fine texture and cool precision.

5. Finish: long, citrus-fresh, mineral, with fine melt and great drinkability.

This wine is an exemplary showcase of what a classic Mosel Riesling from the Zeltinger Himmelreich can achieve. Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Markus Molitor combines clarity with depth and already offers great pleasure. At the same time, it has potential for further years of maturation, during which its complexity will increase even more. Thanks to the moderate alcohol, it remains pleasantly light and easy to drink.

Vinification of the Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb from Markus Molitor

The grapes for this wine come from the steep slate slopes of the Zeltinger Himmelreich on the Mosel. The vines root deep in Devonian slate rock. This stores warmth and releases it again at night. In this way the berries ripen slowly and develop intense aromas of stone fruit and citrus, along with the typical slate spice. The steep slope requires manual work. Each vine is tended individually, canopy work is carried out in a targeted way for optimal aeration.

The harvest is done selectively by hand. Only ripe, aromatic grapes make it into the baskets. Several passes are common in order to catch perfect ripeness. In the cool autumn air the berries remain stable, the acidity fresh. The harvested fruit is brought quickly to the cellar so that no oxidation occurs. Already at this stage, Markus Molitor attaches great importance to precision and care.

In the cellar, the grapes are gently pressed. The must runs off clear and slowly, without hard pressing. A short sedimentation provides natural preliminary clarification before fermentation begins. Fermentation usually takes place with natural yeasts or carefully selected cultured yeasts. The temperature remains cool so that the delicate aromas of peach, lemon and wet slate are preserved.

Fermentation is managed in such a way that an off-dry residual sweetness remains in the wine. This style emphasizes the classic interplay between sweetness and acidity for which the Mosel is known. The wine stays on the fine lees for an extended period. This lends fullness, structure and a subtle creaminess without losing the taut line. Maturation takes place in stainless steel tanks or in large, neutral wooden casks. In this way, the character of the site clearly remains at the forefront.

Before bottling, Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Markus Molitor is carefully filtered to ensure clarity and stability. It then matures in the bottle for some time until fruit, acidity, sweetness and minerality have blended harmoniously. The result is a precise, characterful Mosel white wine that impressively showcases the terroir of the Zeltinger Himmelreich.

Food recommendations for Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Markus Molitor

With its off-dry style, this wine is a versatile companion in the kitchen. The combination of ripe fruit, fresh acidity and moderate sweetness makes it ideal for dishes with pronounced aromas, often with a touch of spice. Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Markus Molitor goes just as well with fine cuisine as with down-to-earth dishes with a twist.

It pairs particularly well with dishes that bring acidity, freshness or gentle heat. The residual sweetness softens the spiciness, the acidity brings clarity. In addition, the slate minerality carries the flavors of the dishes. This creates a harmonious overall impression at the table. The wine complements rather than dominates, and highlights fine details in the dish.

Concrete food recommendations:

- Asian glass noodle salad with prawns, coriander, lime and gentle chili heat.

- Pan-fried scallops on lemon risotto with fresh herbs.

- Mildly spicy Thai curry with chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass and vegetables.

- Trout “Müllerin Art” with lemon butter, parsley potatoes and green asparagus.

- Sushi selection with nigiri, sashimi and inside-out rolls, plus wasabi and pickled ginger.

- Fresh goat cheese on arugula with peach slices, honey and roasted nuts.

- Apple tart with thin shortcrust pastry, cinnamon and little sugar, served slightly warm.

With these dishes the wine reveals its full class. Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese * Feinherb - Markus Molitor thus becomes the ideal companion for pleasurable evenings, refined menus and special occasions.

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