Hohe Domkirche - Avelsbacher Altenberg Riesling Spätlese dry 1979

Hohe Domkirche – Avelsbacher Altenberg Riesling Spätlese dry 1979: A mature treasure from the Saar

The 1979 Avelsbacher Altenberg Riesling Spätlese dry from the Hohe Domkirche in Trier is a striking testament to the close ties between the Church and viticulture on the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer. The Hohe Domkirche, whose history of winegrowing dates back to the 13th century and which has been run as an independent winery since 1851, is one of the three partners in the Trier Episcopal Wineries, which merged in 1966 . Today, the Episcopal Vineyards cultivate around 130 hectares of vineyards across some 35 individual plots, with Riesling being the undisputed main variety, accounting for around 90 per cent .

The Avelsbacher Altenbergvineyard itself is situated in the Avelsbach district of Trier and is described as a steep slope with a gradient of around 85 per cent . The Hohe Domkirche is the sole owner of the Altenberg, which underlines the exclusivity of this vineyard . The south-facing slopes and the specific soil conditions lend the Riesling grapes grown here their characteristic elegance and a pronounced minerality .

The 1979 vintage is now a sought-after rarity. Wines from this era were still produced at a time when ageing in oak barrels was the norm – in 1978, there were still over 970 barrels stored in the cellars of the Episcopal Estates . A Riesling of this quality, matured for almost five decades, displays a complex spectrum of aromas: Tasting notes for comparable wines from the Hohe Domkirche estate in Altenberg describe a colour ranging from deep gold to copper, a bouquet of petrol and stone fruit, and on the palate an outstanding balance with lively acidity and a long finish with distinct slate-like minerality . The dry Spätlese style of this wine is particularly noteworthy, as it displays great structure and a solid acid backbone .

For lovers of great German Rieslings ,this Avelsbacher Altenbergoffers a rare opportunity to experience an authentic piece of Saar Riesling history at the peak of its maturity and to savour the exceptional quality of a winery that, like almost no other, epitomises the tradition and excellence of German viticulture.