Alfred Merkelbach Gutriesling Trocken

Brothers Alfred and Rolf Merkelbach are legends. Alive, yes, but still legends. A visit to their vineyards, in the heart of the Moselle, is like a trip back in time, a journey to a place where the most traditional winemaking methods are more important than ever, but this has not prevented them from becoming a cult winery. Their productions are very small and limited and getting your hands on one of them is a real achievement. If you succeed (hallelujah!) we would recommend choosing Alfred Merkelbach Gutriesling Trocken.

Alfred Merkelbach Gutriesling Trocken is a dry and bright Riesling, fermented in large foudres. Grown between the Ürziger Würzgarten, Erdener Treppchen and Kinheimer Rosenberg vineyards, this white is one of the most interesting wines made by these brothers. And they know what they are doing. First Alfred took over the family vineyards at the age of 14, followed by Rolf. Since then they have spent 70 years working together, taking the pulse of the vineyard, and each of their vines, using trial and error as their best method. As the saying goes: There is no substitute for experience.

In the middle of the 20th century, bringing technology and modern methods to German wineries happened dramatically, sweeping everything else away. However, they survived. And they are still going today. Although neither of them have children, Alfred Merkelbach’s future is guaranteed with the Selbachs, a family friend who will take care of these wines when they are gone (without losing the essence of each of them). Alfred Merkelbach Gutriesling Trocken is the last survivor of the great German wines.