Ratzenberger Riesling Eiswein – Bacharacher Kloster Fürstental 2018 37,5 cl.
2018 Mittelrhein – German Dessert Wine
Eiswein is made from grapes that are harvested when the temperature is below -7°C and pressed while the grapes are still frozen. In this way, only the most concentrated part of the must comes in (since the freezing point is lower for sugarier solutions). In addition to the fact that it is a cold deal for the pickers (who should always be given a friendly thought when enjoying such an elixir), it is also a particularly risky affair to connect with eiswein production. Bad or too hot weather and wild boar are constant and very real threats that often spoil the party.
Due to climate change, this type of wine is a dying breed, but Ratzenberger has created an absolutely electric eiswein here; a luxury category with maximum dynamics between intense sweetness and fierce acidity.
In fact, the grapes were harvested as late as 21 January 2019, but the vintage must be stated as 2018, as the wine belongs to the 2018 growing season.
The aroma explodes in the glass; an inferno of lime, lychee, lemon peel, unripe pineapple and white pepper. The taste has enormous concentration, where one wonders that grapes have naturally delivered so much intensity.
The aftertaste has both harmony and length, worthy of the price range.
And remember: good eiswein comes from Germany and is expensive – unfortunately there are no shortcuts here.
