Weingut Keller - AbtsE Riesling dry Grosses Gewächs GG 2020

This report provides a detailed overview of the Weingut Keller AbtsE Riesling trocken Grosses Gewächs GG 2020, which is considered one of the best dry Rieslings in the world.

Brief overview

• Origin: Westhofener Brunnenhäuschen, Abtserde (Rheinhessen, Germany)

• Grape variety: 100% Riesling

• Ageing: 12 months in stainless steel tanks

• Alcohol content: 12.5% vol.

• Classification: VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS (GG)

• Price level: Currently (spring 2026) between approx. 290 € and 350 €

🏛️ Winery & background

The Keller winery was founded in 1789 by Johann Leonhard Keller and is now managed by Klaus-Peter Keller in the ninth generation. The winery focuses on a radical terroir orientation and produces on around 18 hectares of vineyards in top locations such as Kirchspiel, Hubacker and Abtserde, which are characterised by calcareous soils. It is a member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP).

The Abtserde(translated as "soil of the abbot") is the most prestigious parcel within the Brunnenhäuschen Grosser Lage. The soils consist of limestone and limestone marl with a very high active lime content. Protected to the north by an old dry stone wall, the south-facing site has an underground water vein that ensures an optimal water supply for the old vines even in dry years.

The full name of the site, "Abts Erde", is not allowed to appear on the label for technical production reasons. It is therefore abbreviated as "Abts E®". The vines in the parcel are over 50 years old and only produce very low yields, which is responsible for the exceptional concentration and complexity of the wine.

🌍 Characteristics of the 2020 vintage

The 2020 vintage in Germany was characterised by warmth and drought. As the results show, the Rieslings from this vintage are characterised by a remarkable combination of fullness and great precision. This vintage offered ideal conditions to fully bring out the strengths of the limestone soils of the Abtserde. The natural vein of water in the site ensured that the vines were perfectly supplied with water, allowing the wine to develop a brilliant acidity structure and a distinct cool minerality despite the summer heat.

🍷 Tasting notes

An initial nose reveals a deep, still young, cool and mineral bouquet that includes notes of apple blossom, ripe pear, almost hoppy-herbal tones and some pine resin. Other sources describe a seductively floral aroma of vineyard peach, orange blossom, almond cream, mint herbs and white flowers.

The palate is crisp and lean. The precise and focused flavours of ripe Granny Smith apples, citrus fruits, grapefruit peel and chalk dust characterise the wine. Despite its youth, it is already kaleidoscopically complex, with a fascinating interplay of floral, herbal, citric and mineral elements.

The outstanding minerality with salty limestone notes and the cool, vibrant character are the hallmarks of this wine. The fresh acidity gives the wine enormous energy and structure.

Despite its impressive structure and density, the wine is silky, creamy and seemingly weightlesson the palate .

The finish is long, persistent and characterised by citrus fruits and an invigorating, almost salty minerality with a hint of wet stones.

📊 Critics' ratings at a glance

📈 Price & availability

Due to its exceptional quality and low production (less than 3000 bottles), the Keller AbtsE Riesling GG 2020is a rare commodity that is mostly distributed directly to collectors and connoisseurs. The price is currently (spring 2026) between around € 290 and € 350.

🍽️ Drinking recommendations & serving suggestions

Optimal drinking maturity

This Riesling is a wine with extremely long ageing potential. It is still in a very youthful, linear phase in which the intense acidity and cool minerality dominate.

• Drinking window (first drinking maturity): 2028 - 2035

• Great ageing potential: 2035 - 2100 (John Gilman) / 2045 (Decanter)

• Current recommendation: For the full experience and the development of depth and complexity, the bottle should remain in the cellar for at least another 5-10 years. The wine is currently showing its potential, but not yet its full harmony.

Serving suggestions

• Temperature: Serve at 9-10 °C.

• Decant: Open one hour before serving or pour into a carafe.

• Food pairing: Ideal with sophisticated dishes such as scallops, lobster, goat's cheese, veal with a lemon and herb crust or poultry in creamy sauces.

✨ Conclusion

The Keller AbtsE Riesling GG 2020is a monumental white wine that elevates the art of Riesling production to the highest level. It combines the powerful fruit concentration of a great vintage with an electrifying acidity and a depth of mineral complexity that is unrivalled. The extraordinary harmony of power and elegance justifies its top ratings, and its potential for decades of ageing makes it a worthwhile investment for collectors.