Thörnicher Ritsch Riesling Kabinett feinherb “Gackes oben” 2023

Mosel, Germany

Riesling (100%) · 2023 · 10% abv

Shockingly bright and aromatic: spearmint, anise, citrus peel and orange blossom glide over cool slate smoke. The palate is linear and electric, all lime, spice and crystal-clear drive. It tastes razor-dry, finishing long, herbal and vibrating with energy. Built for lovers of sharp, transparent Riesling.

Production

Fruit harvested at 77° Oechsle, sorted carefully and fermented slowly with native yeasts. Residual sugar settles at ~17 g/L, balanced by bracing acidity. Long, cool élevage preserves lift; bottling is deliberately unfussy to retain the wine’s cut and slate-driven precision. Needs time to round into itself.

Vinyard

From the upper front of the steep Thörnicher Ritsch, on fractured blue slate that forces deep roots and tiny yields. Vines are 70–75 years old, clinging to thin soils that warm quickly yet hold little water — concentrating fruit while preserving piercing acidity and that unmistakable slate signature.

Pairing

Brilliant with ceviche, Thai citrus salads, oysters with mignonette, or tempura vegetables. The wine’s tension slices through chilli heat, salt, and fat, while the faint off-dry cushion steadies acidity and spice.