Weingut Keller - Zellertal Riesling dry 2024

Weingut Keller - Zellertal Riesling dry 2024, Rheinhessen (Preliminary & Forecast Report)

Introduction: The accessible flagship

The Zellertal Riesling is Weingut Keller's entry-level and ambassador cuvéeinto the world of its Rieslings. It does not represent the monumental density of the Grossen Gewächse, but rather the fruity accessibility and mineral clarity for which Rheinhessen is famous - in a perfectly balanced, flawlessly crafted form. The 2024, still in development, promises a return to classic freshness after the hot vintages.

Predicted Sensory Description (Based on cellar style & vintage trends)

Note: This report is based on the typical profile of this cuvée and early reports on the 2024 vintage. The bottled wine may differ.

• Colour: Expected to be a clear, pale straw yellow with greenish reflections.

• Nose (Expected profile):

  • Immediate, juicy fruit: White peach, ripe orange, Williams Christ pear.

  • Citrus freshness: Lemon zest, lime - typical of the youthful freshness of the vintage.

  • Typical Zellertal minerality: A clear, salty, stony note (damp pebbles), less complex than in the single-vineyard wines, but present and invigorating.

  • Floral notes: A delicate floral note (white flowers, acacia).

• Palate (Expected profile):

  • Direct, juicy and inviting. The entry will be characterised by ripe, juicy stone and citrus fruit.

  • The acidity will probably belively and carrying, but well integrated and not aggressive - it gives the wine its tension and drinking pleasure.

  • The texture will be medium-bodied with a nice juiciness (fruit water).

  • The finish will be clear, fresh and of medium length, with a lingering, pleasant bitter-mineral touch (almond, lemon peel).

2024 vintage in Zellertal (early assessment)

• General trend: After several very warm, sometimes extreme vintages, 2024 is shaping up to be a more classic, cooler and wetter vintage in many German growing regions , which could be reminiscent of 2021 or 2014. This means:

  • Higher natural acidity

  • More accessible alcohol levels

  • Emphasised fruity and fresh aromas (citrus, stone fruit)

  • Good mineral character

  • Potentially more enjoyable to drink when young, with good structure for medium ageing.

• For the Zellertal: This climate plays to the strengths of the cuvée: it favours freshness, finesse and drinkability over opulent power.

Terroir & vinification (Zellertal)

• The Zellertal: A side valley of Rheinhessen with a cooling influence. The soils are a mixture of limestone, clay and marl. They give the Rieslings a fruity directness, a mineral base and a certain, accessible spiciness.

• Vinification at Weingut Keller: The highest standards also apply to the entry-level cuvée:

  • Hand-picking and strict selection.

  • Spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts for complexity.

  • Maturation predominantly in large, neutral wooden barrels (barrels) and stainless steel to preserve the pure fruit and minerality.

  • The aim is a crystalline, direct and yet multi-layered Riesling.

Expected drinking maturity & storage recommendation

• Drinking pleasure from bottling: This cuvée is made to be drunkyoung and fresh. The 2024 will offer great enjoyment from its market launch (expected in spring 2025).

• Optimal drinking window: 2025 - 2032. In the first 3-5 years, the youthful fruit takes centre stage, after which it can develop a little more mineral depth and complexity.

• Ageing potential:Up to 10-12 years with good cellaring . However, it will never develop the complexity of a Großes Gewächs, but will retain its freshness and fruit.

Rating forecast & recommendations

Predicted rating (qualitative): 90-92/100 points
(A wine that will offer exceptional purity, balance and drinking pleasure for its price range and fulfil the cellar quality promise perfectly).

Recommendations for enjoyment:

• Decant: Not necessary when young. Later (after 2-3 years), a brief contact with air (10-15 minutes in the glass) can open up the flavours.

• Serving temperature: 9-11°C.

• Perfect food accompaniment (all-rounder):

  • Appetisers and salads

  • Light fish and poultry dishes

  • Sushi and Asian cuisine

  • Fresh goat's cheese

  • As an aperitif summer wine

Conclusion (forecast)

The Weingut Keller Zellertal Riesling trocken 2024 promises to be an ideal ambassadorfor the more classic 2024 vintage and Keller's precise style. It will probably not be the most profound or monumental Keller Riesling, but one of the most accessible, most enjoyable and most delightful. For connoisseurs, it is the perfect introduction to the Keller universe, for everyone else a sure guarantee of an impeccably made, invigorating Riesling from Rheinhessen with a strong character. A wine that perfectly epitomises the joy of uncomplicated yet sophisticated enjoyment.