Weingut Keller - Kirchspiel Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG 2012

A monument to German Riesling

The 2012 Kirchspiel Riesling Grosses Gewächs (GG) from Weingut Keller is considered one of the estate's greatest achievements. Described by none other than John Gilman, one of the most influential Riesling critics, as "one of the most brilliant wines Klaus-Peter Keller has ever created", this wine combines the exceptional ripeness of the 2012 summer of the century with the unrivalled minerality of the Kirchspiel terroir. After more than a decade in the cellar, this wine has now reached the top of its drinking window and offers a sensual experience that demonstrates German Riesling artistry at the highest level.

1. Weingut Keller & the Kirchspiel terroir

Weingut Keller, run by Klaus-Peter Keller, is internationally recognised as one of the most important producers of dry Rieslings. The family winery with a long tradition in Rheinhessen has earned a legendary reputation for its uncompromising quality and deep terroir character. The "Grosses Gewächs" (GG) line represents the highest level of the VDP classification, comparable to the Grand Crus in Burgundy.

The Kirchspielis one of the estate's most prestigious growths. The vineyard lies on limestone and clay soils, which give the wine its characteristic, dense minerality. Klaus-Peter Keller cultivates old vines here (which were almost 50 years old at the time of the 2012 harvest) with extremely low yields, which are harvested exclusively by hand. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with natural yeasts with minimal intervention in order to emphasise the unmistakable terroir of the Kirchspiel.

2. The 2012 vintage

The 2012 vintage was a paradisiacal year in Rheinhessen, producing harvests that Klaus-Peter Keller himself described as having the greatest potential of the last ten to twelve years. It was the latest harvest since 2004, which gave the grapes the opportunity to achieve perfect physiological ripeness without losing their lively, cool acidity. This special combination of lush fruit and dancing freshness is the decisive characteristic that characterises the best wines of this vintage.

3. Tasting notes & sensory analysis

The 2012 Keller Kirchspiel GG presents itself today, over a decade after the harvest, at the peak of its development. It is medium yellow in colour and displays a complex bouquet.

• Nose: The nose is lush and intense. It is dominated by exotic fruits such as pineapple, honeydew melon, peach and ripe nectarine, accompanied by an elegant minerality and a hint of ripe notes. This aromatic spectrum is enhanced by notes of lime zest, orange blossom, fennel and the petrol aromas typical of mature Riesling .

• Palate: On the palate, this wine is a masterpiece of balance. It is deep and full-bodied without losing a weightless elegance. The magnificent, ripe fruit is carried by a wonderful, lively acidity that gives the wine an extraordinary tension and a focussed, almost salty mineral core. It is dry, but the perception may initially suggest a slight residual sweetness due to the dense fruit.

• Finish: The finish is very long, precise and characterised by an impressive spiciness. The mineral structure lingers long after the sip and leaves a feeling of freshness and depth.

4. Ratings and reviews

The exceptional quality of this wine is underpinned by top marks and rave reviews from leading wine experts worldwide.

These ratings emphasise the class and enormous potential of the 2012 Kirchspiel GG.

5. Drinking maturity & ageing potential

This is a wine with a big heart for the patient. While it already gave the first glimpses of its greatness in 2014 (after release), it is now beginning to unfold its full potential. It is currently in a perfect drinking window, in which the youthful fruit combines with the complex notes of maturity.

However, its high acidity structure and dense extract give it enormous ageing potential. The wine will continue to develop over the coming years and decades. As a guideline, ambitious connoisseurs can easily storeit until 2030+. John Gilman even sees it for the period 2020-2060. The wine is on a long, gentle ageing curve.

6. Price & availability

The Weingut Keller Kirchspiel GG 2012 is a rarity that was only produced in very small quantities. This is reflected in the current market price, which varies depending on the supplier and container size:

• 750ml standard bottle: approx. 219€ - 299€ (depending on the retailer)

• 1.5 litre magnum bottle: approx. 290€ - 340€

The price may vary slightly at auctions or at specialised dealers. Due to its limited availability, the wine is usually difficult to find on the open market and is often traded at top prices.

7. Serving recommendation & food pairing

To experience the full spectrum of flavours of this complex wine, the right serving temperature is crucial. We recommend 10-12°C. The wine also benefits from decanting or should be opened at least one hour before serving to allow the flavours to develop.

Recommended food pairing:

• Fish & seafood: Ideal with cod, scallops or lobster, especially with a fine butter or light-coloured herb sauce.

• Poultry & veal: Goes perfectly with lemon chicken, veal liver or tender veal fillet.

• Asian cuisine: The acidic structure makes it a great accompaniment to Asian dishes that are not too spicy, sushi or spring rolls.

• Cheese: Excellent with goat's cheese, Comté or Gruyère.

Conclusion: An unforgettable wine

The 2012 Weingut Keller Kirchspiel Riesling GG is more than just a wine; it is a liquid time capsule that documents the perfect interplay of vintage, terroir and craftsmanship. With its seductive exoticism, dashing minerality and enormous ageing potential, it is one of the absolute world leaders among dry Rieslings. For collectors and connoisseurs who are lucky enough to get hold of a bottle, it is an unforgettable taste experience that will give pleasure for many years to come.