"The magic touch of Riesling" Tasting Case

The special feature of the Thörnicher Ritsch is that the meagre soil means that it is not the fruit but rather the minerality of the blue slate that gains the upper hand in the expression of the Riesling. The Ritsch Kabinett AP 5/21 shows only restrained fruity hints in the aroma. Only a light aroma reminiscent of quince and very delicate yellow-fruity nuances, and that's it for the fruit in the fragrance. The ethereal notes of fresh green pine needles and the balsamic spiciness of the slate are much more noticeable. It seems more like a mineral flicker that rises from the glass into the nose. Light-footed on the palate, yet firm in its structure. The fine, restrained sweetness and the precise acidity provide a dancing elegance. Impeccably made in all components with plenty of mineral substance and depth. Simply delicate...

The off-dry Kabinett shows a neat spontaneous fermentation note and slate-spicy undertones with a wild, smoky aroma on the herb-scented nose. The wine pushes itself to the palate in a tense and very dynamic way with a crisp acid bite and a completely playful fruity sweetness. The cool, minty freshness is strongly mineral-grounded, rounded off by a pinch of fleur de sel. Juicy and elegant in its texture, underpinned by a finesse-rich acid arc. The finish is almost dry. Needs air - Still much too young, but already shows great potential!

In the wine lists of the 1930s, during the heyday of the Mosel Riesling, the Riesling wines from the Thörnicher Ritsch were considerably higher in price than, for example, the Rieslings from the Ockfener Geisberg or the Canzemer Altenberg. This was because the Ritsch was known for its cool, elegant, radiantly steely style and its above-average ripening potential. Julian Ludes' Spätlese is such an uncompromising Riesling. The nose is floral and red berry, with defensive mineral expression and plenty of herbal spice. The palate is lapped by a supple delicate sweetness, with great mineral play. A long, lively, almost sinewy acid arc gives tension and grip and is highly animating to drink. The fruit is juicy and well-balanced and carries a distinctly salty core in its centre. Very good finish with a long and seemingly endless mineral aftertaste. A Riesling with a great future!

The dry Riesling Spätlese from Julian Ludes comes directly from the heart of the Thörnicher Ritsch. The mountain with its rocky, blue-shimmering slate terraces is still planted here with Riesling vines that have no roots. The nose is cool and crystal clear with a distinct minerality and the scent of hot, wet slate. On the palate, slender yet with impressive intensity and tension. The acidity seems finely chiselled, is tightly and finely interwoven, omnipresent and yet escapes again. The cool fruit clearly shows aromas of pink grapefruit and blood orange, finely spiced with a pinch of salt. Builds up a lot of pressure, shows immense tension and yet remains delicate and light. The finish is beautifully detailed with the finest herbal freshness and an animating bitterness that is reminiscent of orange peel and makes your mouth water! Ingeniously made....

As one of the oldest and highest quality of the Mosel vineyards, the Thörnicher Ritsch has almost been forgotten. But the Ritsch has extraordinarily high potential. The fine-tart Riesling from the "Gackes unten" vineyard parcel vividly demonstrates the strengths of this imposing vineyard site. The rootless vines transport the sparse blue slate directly into the glass. The nose shows a lot of smoke and the smell of hot slate. Besides a sensual white fruit, one smells the refreshing scent of freshly grated mint leaves. This distinctive freshness gives the Riesling its noble cool note. Pure minerality on the palate! Finely ground sea salt and a slightly tart note provide plenty of grip and animation. The juicy acidity continues into the endless finish and is accompanied by a discreet lemony aftertaste. Very sexy!

The off-dry Kabinett shows a neat spontaneous fermentation note and slate-spicy undertones with a wild, smoky aroma on the herb-scented nose. The wine pushes itself to the palate in a tense and very dynamic way with a crisp acid bite and a completely playful fruity sweetness. The cool, minty freshness is strongly mineral-grounded, rounded off by a pinch of fleur de sel. Juicy and elegant in its texture, underpinned by a finesse-rich acid arc. The finish is almost dry. Needs air - Still much too young, but already shows great potential!