Dr von Bassermann Jordan - Kirchenstück Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG dry 2013

The grande dame of Palatinate Rieslings

The 2013 vintage of the Forster Kirchenstück Riesling Grosses Gewächs trocken from Dr von Bassermann-Jordan embodies the quintessence of German terroir viticulture. As a Grand Cru of the Palatinate, this wine combines the centuries of experience of one of Germany's most historically significant wine estates with the unmistakable character of one of the country's highest-rated vineyards.

The winery: Privy Councillor Dr von Bassermann-Jordan

The roots of the winery go back to 1718, when Peter Jordan acquired the first vines. in 1883, Emil Bassermann married into the family and the Bavarian king authorised the change of name to Bassermann-Jordan. Friedrich von Bassermann-Jordan, a doctor of law, had a decisive influence on the winery and was one of the co-founders of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) in 1910, of which the winery has been a member ever since. Today, the winery cultivates around 50 hectares of vineyards and is managed sustainably. With over 300 years of history, Bassermann-Jordan is one of the most traditional wineries in the Palatinate and Germany.

The site: Forster Kirchenstück - A VDP.GROSSE LAGE

The "Kirchenstück" vineyard extends at an altitude of 120 to 140 metres directly behind the Forster church and is surrounded by a knee-high sandstone wall. This wall and the surrounding buildings store heat during the day and protect the vines from the cold and damp. The soil is extremely varied and complex: the Forster Kirchenstück contains basalt, sandstone, limestone rubble, clay, loam and a water-bearing limestone slab at a depth of two metres. This mineral-rich diversity gives the wines their characteristic depth and complexity. Only three hectares of the site are classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE, of which the Bassermann-Jordan winery owns 0.44 hectares.

The 2013 vintage in the Palatinate

The 2013 wine year in Germany was characterised by a cool, changeable spring, followed by a warm, dry summer with ideal ripening conditions in September. Cellar master Ulrich Mell commented at the time that a ripe Riesling harvest with refreshing acidity was no problem - but finding the right balance was not always easy. This balancing act between physiological ripeness and freshness-preserving acidity was particularly successful in the Kirchenstück. The challenging weather conditions produced wines with natural concentration, but also a leaner, more precise structure, which gives the 2013 wines a special elegance.

Ageing in the cellar

The grapes for the 2013 Kirchenstück were harvested by hand in two passes, rigorously selected and gently pressed. The must underwent spontaneous fermentation for two months in stainless steel tanks, after which the wine matured for five months on the fine lees - a mixture of dead yeast cells - with regular bâtonnage, or stirring of the lees. This gentle, minimally invasive cellar technique emphasises the transparency of the terroir and gives the wine additional richness and complexity without overpowering the fruit. The Kirchenstück matures for many years in the cellar, developing a fascinating depth.

Sensory profile

On the nose, the wine displays a fine, complex bouquet with aromas of plum, red apple, allspice and curry powder. It has a strong, tactile minerality that runs through the palate and combines a supple attack with an early, tangy acidity. Despite the slender vintage type, the site gives the wine a remarkable fullness and density. The finish is long, elegant and delicately spicy. The 2013 has developed harmoniously with age and is now considered a monumental wine for the next two decades.

The "Großes Gewächs" (GG) phenomenon

The designation "Großes Gewächs" is the highest quality level of the VDP for dry wines from classified Großes Lage vineyards and is intended to represent the German "Grand Cru". The strict criteria include a maximum yield of 50 hectolitres per hectare, a minimum must weight of 90° Oechsle, exclusively hand-picked grapes, gentle vinification and an official and internal VDP inspection. Marketing begins in September of the year following the harvest at the earliest. The 2013 Kirchenstück fulfils all these criteria in an exemplary manner.

Goes well with...

Due to its density and complexity, the 2013 Kirchenstück is an excellent accompaniment to food and is ideal with gourmet poultry dishes such as duck breast with orange sauce, with noble fish such as salmon or turbot in buttery sauces, with Asian-inspired dishes with subtle hot spices, with mature hard cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère and with roast veal with fine herbs. The fresh acidity of the Riesling cuts through rich components, while the mineral depth provides an excellent basis for spicy flavours.

Conclusion

The Dr von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Kirchenstück Riesling Grosses Gewächs trocken 2013 is more than just a wine - it is a time capsule of the Palatinate terroir and a testament to masterful craftsmanship. With its enormous ageing potential, impressive aromatic complexity and rare availability, it is one of Germany's iconic white wines. For collectors and lovers of great Rieslings, this wine is a worthwhile discovery - and proof that the Palatinate is rightly one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. Anyone lucky enough to own a bottle should open it in a dignified setting at around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius and look forward to an unforgettable flavour experience.