Weingut Keller - Kirchspiel Riesling kabinett Goldkapsel 2022

Keller Winery – Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling Kabinett 2022

1. Overview

2. Origin and terroir

The wine comes from the single vineyard site ‘Kirchspiel’ in Westhofen (Rheinhessen). Kirchspiel is one of the estate’s most prestigious vineyards and is classified as a VDP.Grosse Lage. The vineyard is characterised by limestone-rich soils, which lend the wine a distinctive minerality and remarkable intensity.

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. This is followed by gentle pressing and spontaneous fermentation in large, old wooden barrels. This gentle vinification results in a wine that combines “delicate nuances of white fruits and floral notes” and is rounded off by a “delicate slate-mineral finish”.

3. Tasting notes

Aroma (Nose)

• Floral and honey-sweet – scents of wildflowers and wildflower honey, without, however, appearing sweet on the nose

• Fruity – fresh pear, slightly richer than the ‘Limestone’ Riesling

• Citrus – lively citrus aromas

• Smoky note – a subtle smokiness on the nose

Palate

• Dry and textured – dry and firm on the palate, although the wine does have a certain sweetness

• Chalky minerality – a chalky, dry contrast to the wine’s sweetness

• Peppery – develops into a hint of white pepper

• Lively and expressive – vibrant, with the chalky character bringing the wine into perfect harmony

• Extremely fresh acidity – gives the wine a ‘straight-as-an-arrow heart in a fragrant shell’

Finish

• Elegant and fresh – a playful burst of fruit, followed by an elegant, fresh finish

• Fruit and spice notes – juicy peach, zesty spice, tangy lime

• Smoke and stone fruit – after several days, subtle smoke, rich stone fruit notes, cooling mint and candied orange unfold

4. Ratings

The community tasting note on CellarTracker describes the wine as “absolutely madly good” and highlights its “perfect balance” – already fantastic to drink now, yet with sufficient depth and complexity for several years’ ageing.

5. Drinking recommendation and ageing potential

• Drinking window: Now until around 2035

• Serving temperature: approx. 12 °C

• Food pairing: Excellent with seafood-inspired dishes (e.g. trout pâté) or slightly spicy dishes

The wine is already accessible, but connoisseurs recommend allowing it to mature in the cellar for several years – it rewards patience with added complexity.

6. Prices (approximate figures)

7. Conclusion

The Weingut Keller – Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling Kabinett 2022 is an outstanding German Riesling from one of Rheinhessen’s most renowned producers. It combines the typical Kabinett sweetness with a surprisingly dry texture and a lively, chalky minerality. The high acidity ensures freshness and balance, whilst the complex aromas of wildflowers, citrus fruits, peach and subtle spice delight the palate.

With ratings ranging from 94 to 95 points, as well as 18/20 points from Julia Harding MW, this wine ranks among the finest examples of its vintage. It is a delight to drink now, but also has the potential for many years’ ageing – a true ‘wow wine’ for discerning Riesling lovers.