Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach - Erbacher Markobrunn Riesling kabinett 1989

Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach - Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett 1989

1. Summary of the wine

The 1989 Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinett from Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach is a mature Riesling from one of the most renowned vineyards in the Rheingau. As a Kabinett from the very good, if not outstanding, 1989 vintage, it represents the classic, elegant style of the state wineries. The winery is a founding member of the VDP and has over 900 years of winegrowing tradition. The Marcobrunn vineyard, whose name is derived from a border well, is mentioned in documents as early as 1390 and is one of the oldest named vineyards of the Eberbach monastery.

2. Wine identity

3. The winery: Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach

900 years of winegrowing in the monastery tradition

Eberbach Monastery was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks from Burgundy and is one of the most important monastery complexes in Germany. 30 years after its foundation, the monastery already owned nine vineyards, and in the 15th century it was the largest vineyard in the German-speaking area. The monks recognised the importance of viticulture for their economic self-sufficiency early on and created a unique wine culture.

In the course of secularisation, the monastery was dissolved in 1803, but the winegrowing tradition was continued under ducal administration. Today's Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach GmbH is a founding member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and is one of the most prestigious wine estates in Germany.

The winery currently owns 92 hectares of steep vineyards, cultivates world-renowned monopole vineyards (such as the Steinberger) and has a valuable archive of wines dating back to 1706. The philosophy of the winery, which is based on the psalm verse "Wine gladdens the heart of man" (Psalm 104:15), aims for exquisite and responsible enjoyment.

4. The vineyard: Erbacher Marcobrunn (VDP.GROSSE LAGE®)

Centuries-old origin

The Marcobrunn site is located between the villages of Erbach and Hattenheim on a south-facing slope and is one of the most famous "well sites" in the Rheingau. Its name is derived from a well on the boundary of the district (from "Marka" = boundary) and is documented as a " Markenburne" as early as 1200 .

The quality of the location has been recognised for centuries: As early as 1390, the wine grown here (vini crementi in Marckinborn) was traded as a special quality wine. The parcel, which covers around 6.7 hectares, is planted exclusively with Riesling and benefits from deep, calcareous and clayey marl soils.

5. The 1989 vintage in the Rheingau

The late 1980s produced a series of very good but variable vintages in the Rheingau. The 1989 vintage is described as good to very good, with a mixture of cooler and warmer periods that led to a slow, even ripening of the grapes. For the Kabinett label, this meant that the grapes were harvested at a moderate must weight, resulting in a rather elegant, acid-accentuated wine with fine fruit. Compared to the legendary 1988 or 1990 vintages, the 1989 vintage is described as somewhat less monumental, but still full of character.

6. Tasting note & profile

Professional tastings of the 1989 Kabinett are not available in detail, but based on records of similar wines from this combination (Kloster Eberbach, Marcobrunn, 1989) as well as typical Kabinett characteristics, the following profile can be derived:

• Colour:A mature Riesling often shows a more intense, golden yellow to amber hue. A tasted 1989 Marcobrunn Auslese was described as "intense, waxy light yellow".

• Nose: Typical ripe notes of ripe peaches, some honey and mineral herbal notes from the Marcobrunn. Depending on ageing, petrol notes (a classic sign of mature Riesling) may also appear.

• Palate: As a Kabinett, this wine is light to medium-bodied, with a lively, precise acidity that perfectly balances the subtle residual sweetness. Flavours of citrus fruit, green apple and stone fruit (especially peach) are rounded off with a mineral, chalky finish.

• Drinking maturity:This wine is definitely in its perfect drinking maturity. It should have sufficient structure and freshness to last a few more years, but it has reached the peak of its development.

7. Serving recommendation & food pairing

• Serving temperature: 8-10 °C (do not serve too cold to bring out the flavours).

• Decanting: Due to its age, careful decanting is recommended to remove any sediment. The wine should be given some time to breathe after opening.

• Food pairing (Kabinett):

  • Asian cuisine:Ideal with mild curries, sushi, sashimi or Vietnamese summer rolls. The subtle sweetness and fresh acidity go perfectly with the flavours of ginger, coriander and lemongrass.

  • Fish & seafood: Harmonises perfectly with pan-fried salmon, prawns or grilled scallops.

  • Poultry & salads: Goes well with lemon chicken, duck breast with fruit sauce or a summery daisy salad.

  • Cheese: Excellent with goat's cheese or mild blue cheeses.

8. Price and market information

• Prices:

  • Average price excl. tax (approx.): $63 / 750ml (October 2018).

  • Price at well-known online retailers:A specific current price is not available, as the wine is a mature rarity and is more likely to be found at auction or at specialised retailers.

• Availability:Due to its age (over 35 years), the wine is no longer available in regular shops. It can be purchased over Christmas, at auctions or from specialised dealers for old wines.

9. Conclusion & rating

The 1989 Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Kabinettfrom the Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach is an outstanding example of an elegant, mature Rheingau Riesling. It combines the centuries-old tradition of the monastery with the exceptional quality of its vineyard of origin and the precision of Riesling. If you are lucky enough to get hold of a bottle of this wine, you can look forward to a complex, harmonious flavour experience with lively acidity, subtle residual sweetness and a long, mineral finish.