Koehler Ruprecht Saumagen Spätlese Trocken

Undoubtedly one of the pioneering wineries in the production of dry Riesling, Koehler-Ruprecht was producing this type of wine even before it became fashionable and today is one of the most iconic establishments in Germany. Located in the village of Kallstadt in the Pfalz (Palatinate) since 1700, it marches to the beat of its own drum. So much so that when the organising body, the VDP, banned the traditional way of labelling wines using the designations of Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese, which differentiate the ripeness of the grapes when harvested, followed by the word trocken (dry), Koehler-Ruprecht didn’t think twice about leaving the organisation despite having been a member for almost 80 years. This act was a demonstration of its commitment and respect for traditional forms, which it continues to preserve today under the management of Dominik Sona and cellar master Franziska Schmitt.

Its Koehler Ruprecht Saumagen Spätlese Trocken is a Riesling from the iconic Saumagen vineyard, considered by many to be one of the best vineyards in Germany. A 4-hectare Grand Cru vineyard composed of calcareous marl and limestone in the shape of “Saumagen”, the region's special sausage. It is grown organically using biodynamic treatments and, as the name Spätlese indicates, the harvest is very late. After the grapes are harvested and hand-selected, a traditional, low-intervention vinification process is carried out in the winery. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with native yeasts and, once fully completed, the wine remains on its lees in large old casks for at least 8 months. There are no additions, nor chaptalisation, and it is bottled with the bare minimum of filtration.

The fruit of this crown jewel, Koehler Ruprecht Saumagen Spätlese Trocken is an ample, rich and mineral dry wine. A Riesling featuring ripe fruit and a full body that is very well suited to ageing.