Wittmann Morstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2018

SKU
WIMO201811 UCAU
  • Philipp Wittmann has become a legend in his own lifetime.
  • His Rieslings have an alluring saltiness that draws you in, as well as purity and an inherent coolness.
  • He is amongst Germany's best. -Anne Krebiehl MW, The Wines of Germany
  • 1 or more bottles
    $175.00
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  • Nick Stock
    98 points
  • Jancis Robinson
    18.5 points

Editors notes

The grand cru Morstein site is situated on the south-facing slope that stretches from Gundersheim to Westhofen. The subsoil consists of massive limestone rocks. The first documented mention of the site dates from 1282. Today, Wittmann owns about 4 ha (10 acres) in the best (south-east exposure) parcel of this vineyard. The upper layer of soil is primarily heavy clayish marl interspersed with limestone. The subsoil is also heavy and marked by layers of limestone that help circulate water. This ensures that the vines are well supplied with nutrients and minerals, and may account for the mineral character of the Morstein wines.

Details

Tasting Profile

  • Light (Light)
    Full (Full)
  • Low Tannin (Low Tannin)
    Tannic (Tannic)
  • Sweet (Sweet)
    Dry (Dry)
  • Low Acidity (Low Acidity)
    High Acidity (High Acidity)
  • Aroma
    • Lemon
    • Lime
    • Mineral
  • Palate
    • Chalk
    • Honeydew
    • Lemon

Food Pairings

  • Asian
  • Fish
  • Shellfish

Critic Scores & reviews

  • Nick Stock

    98
    "Wild yellow flowers blow in a citrusy, salty breeze. Freshly picked nectarines run amok and honeydew melon drips in intensity. Alluring and decadent at the same time with glitzy tension, but ornately spiced stone fruit. The acidity is tempered only by the raw power here. Stoney and tightly constructed, but deep and welcoming. Drink now or hold."
  • Jancis Robinson MW

    18.5
    "A warm and rich fragrance adds an unusual but seductive notion of Ambrosia rice pudding to the more conventional aromas of ripe yellow fruit. The palate is packed with sweet and juicy fruit flavours, a hint of exotic spice and well-rounded acidity add subtle accents. Despite its generous character, the Morstein shows great purity of taste and does not lose itself in opulence."

Other vintages

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Locations

Germany

Germany is fully capable of producing some of the world's great white wines. One hundred years ago the demand for and thus prices commanded for the wines from the finest vineyards in Piesport, Morcobrunn and Rudesheim rivalled the best wines from Bordeaux. Largely due to the lack of government regulation into the quality of wine output, Germany over the past century became known for producing sweet sugar-water wines at cheap costs, flooding the world market. This has had a negative effect on the perception of German wines worldwide, but rest assured we only choose to stock German wines of high quality.

The Riesling grape with all its versatility is the main grape variety, and whilst many countries make Riesling, none can match the mouth-watering freshness and supreme delicacy achieved in a Mosel Kabinett from a top producer. Germany's dry Rieslings as a rule tend to be very graceful and elegant as compared to Rieslings from other countries, with an emphasis on finesse, not power. Standout producers such as Robert Weil make the headlines, but Donnhoff, JL Wolf, A Christmann and Dr Loosen are too worth seeking out.

Another most interesting contribution from Germany was Eiswine (ice wine), which until the 1970s was a freak of nature, though is now carefully managed. To produce Eiswine, parcels of vines are left out exposed to the frost, and although the production cost is astronomical they remain very popular. Robust Pinot Blancs and Pinot Gris are also produced in the whites and Pinot Noir, referred to as Spätburgunder is also grown.

The climate in Germany is, for the most part, cool, the exception being in the Pfalz and in Baden. As a result, vineyards are carefully selected with good sunlight exposure a must. For example along the banks of the Mosel River, vines are only planted on one side, as there isn't enough sunlight exposure to ripen grapes on the north-facing side.

Key regions include Mosel and Nahe where extraordinary Rieslings are produced.

Rheinhessen

Rheinhessen, Germany's largest wine region, has a long history of grape-growing on the Rhine River that dates as far back as the Romans. The region sits in a valley of gently rolling hills, where its varied soils and favourable climate enable the growth of many grape varieties – both traditional and emerging. Though Müller-Thurgau and Riesling are the two most planted varieties, red wine varieties – primarily Dornfelder, Portugieser, and Spätburgunder – now account for roughly one-third of vineyard plantings. Other varieties include Silvaner, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. The area near the village of Nierstein produces some of the country’s fullest bodied Rieslings.

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Pairs Well With

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