A. Gillot & Sons Winery – Oppenheimer Reisekahr Riesling and Silvaner Beerenauslese 1953

A. Gillot & Söhne – Oppenheimer Reisekahr Riesling and Silvaner Beerenauslese 1953: A Rheinhessen treasure from a legendary vintage

The 1953 Oppenheimer Reisekahr Riesling and Silvaner Beerenauslese from the A. Gillot & Sons winery is an exceptional testament to Germany’s great sweet wine tradition and a rare find from one of the most significant vintages of the 20th century. The A. Gillot & Söhne winery, located at 84 Wormser Straße in Oppenheim, looks back on a long family tradition which, according to the label, dates back to 1781 – ‘Winegrowing since 1781’ was proudly emblazoned on the estate’s bottles. The Gillot family had deep roots in the region spanning several generations and, in addition to the winery, also ran a sparkling wine cellar; the Hugenotten-Kellerei Gillot GmbH is still based in Oppenheim today.

The Oppenheimer Reisekahrvineyard is one of Oppenheim’s historic vineyards, which were already famous beyond the region’s borders as far back as the 19th century. The town chronicle lists the vineyards of Sackträger, Goldberg, Kreuzt, Krötenbrunnen, Herrenberg, Reisekahr, Zuckerberg, Schloßberg and Daubhaus as Oppenheim’s most renowned vineyards. The name ‘Reisekahr’ refers to the historic field name, and for decades this vineyard has produced top-quality wines that have been highly prized at auctions and in collections.

The 1953 vintage is regarded in Germany as an exceptional one, particularly for noble sweet wines, which can mature for decades or even centuries. The weather conditions that year allowed for optimal ripening of the grapes, with high concentration and botrytis infection, laying the foundation for Beerenauslesen of great depth and longevity. This cuvée of Riesling and Silvaner – a combination typical of Rheinhessen – combines the delicate acidity and fruit of the Riesling with the full-bodied, mellow character of the Silvaner.

After more than seven decades of ageing, this wine is in a state enjoyed by only a few bottles. The colour is likely to be a deep amber to coppery red, as is characteristic of mature Beerenauslese wines. The nose unfolds a complex bouquet of dried apricots, honey, caramel and spicy notes of lime blossom and forest resin, underpinned by the petrol note typical of old Rheinhessen Rieslings. On the palate, there is a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity which, despite its age, retains a remarkable liveliness. The finish is long, leaving an impression of honey, dried fruit and delicate minerality.

For collectors and connoisseurs of great German sweet wines, this Beerenauslese is an extraordinary experience – a liquid testament to a bygone era of German viticulture, from a time when Rheinhessen was counted amongst the world’s most significant sweet wine regions.