Wittmann – Gundersheim Höllenbrand Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG 2024

Wittmann – Gundersheimer Höllenbrand Riesling Grosses Gewächs GG 2024

1. Basic information

2. The vineyard: Gundersheimer Höllenbrand

The Höllenbrand is a new addition to Wittmann’s portfolio of Grosse Gewächse wines. With the 2024 vintage, this vineyard was classified as a VDP.Grosse Lage for the first time and expands the range of Wittmann’s top wines.

The vineyard is situated to the west of the famous Morstein and forms its western extension on similar soils, though it ripens around seven days later. The Höllenbrand consists of heavy clay-marl layers in the topsoil and a limestone-rich subsoil. The vineyard was first mentioned in a document as early as 1437 – at that time still under the name ‘in dem hilprant’.

Philipp Wittmann himself was already certain, even before the classification, that the Höllenbrand had ‘what it takes’ to be a Grand Cru – the 2024 vintage proves him right.

3. Professional reviews (overview)

4. Tasting notes in detail

James Suckling (96 points)

“Herbal spice, mountain hay, acacia honey, menthol sweets and salted lemon, Granny Smith, with a delicate nutty note.”

Falstaff – Ulrich Sautter (93+ points)

“Fragrant, delicate opening, a range of fresh citrus fruits, vineyard peach, orange blossom, clover, stinging nettle, stony notes. On the palate, it flows smoothly with citrus fruit, tight, lively acidity and robust tannins; slender in body, mineral and salty on the finish.”

Gerstl (tasting note)

“In contrast to Brunnenhäuschen, this one comes into its own straight away, revealing its full beauty right from the very first whiff. It, too, tends towards the delicate, filigree side, but presents its dreamlike aromas without hesitation. Fruit and minerality are in perfect balance; a hint of reduction adds further complexity – it’s such a mischievous, radiant character. It comes as no surprise that it is also very open and generous on the palate; the vintage’s freshness takes centre stage, whilst the ideal dash of sweet extract makes the aromas shine. There’s excitement here, immense concentration, playfully light-footed…”

Weinfurore (17.5/20 points)

“…“

5. Characteristics and Style

The 2024 Höllenbrand GG differs markedly from its famous siblings, Morstein and Brunnenhäuschen:

• Bouquet: Herbal and spicy with mountain hay, acacia honey, menthol, salted lemon, Granny Smith and delicate nutty notes. These are complemented by fresh citrus fruit, vineyard peach, orange blossom, clover and stinging nettle.

• On the palate: In contrast to the more reserved Brunnenhäuschen ,the Höllenbrand immediately reveals itself openly, showcasing all its beauty without hesitation. Straightforward on the palate with citrus fruit, lively acidity and robust tannins, with a slender body.

• Minerality: Mineral and salty on the finish with stony notes.

• Distinctive feature: Fruit and minerality are in perfect balance, with a hint of reduction adding further complexity. The wine combines immense concentration with a playful lightness.

Compared to the Morstein (monumental, powerful) and the Brunnenhäuschen (delicate, reserved), the Höllenbrand is the most open-hearted, accessible and instantly charming of Wittmann’s three Grand Crus – a ‘mischievous ray of sunshine’.

6. Prices and availability

7. Serving recommendations and ageing potential

The 2024 Höllenbrand GG is a wine for the patient – though it requires less patience than the other Wittmann GG wines:

• Earliest drinking window: from 2028

• Optimal maturity: 2030–2045

• Ageingpotential: until 2055 and beyond

• Serving temperature: 8–10 °C

As the Höllenbrand ismore open and approachable than the Morstein and Brunnenhäuschen, it can be enjoyed earlier – yet here too, patience is rewarded with added complexity.

8. The vineyard in the Wittmann portfolio

With the 2024 vintage, Wittmann has expandedhis portfolio of Grosse Gewächse to include a fifth vineyard. The three Riesling Grosse Gewächse can be characterised as follows:

The Höllenbrand is the western extension of the Morstein, grown on similar soils, but matures later – which gives it a slightly different, distinctive profile.

9. Summary

The Wittmann Gundersheimer Höllenbrand Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2024 is an exciting new addition to the Wittmann portfolio. With ratings of 96 points (James Suckling, Meininger) and 93+ points (Falstaff), this vineyard has immediately established itself at the very highest level.

Whilst the Morstein is regarded as the monumental flagship and the ‘Brunnenhäuschen’ as the delicate and refined, the Höllenbrand is the open-hearted, the approachable, the instantly charming – a ‘mischievous ray of sunshine’ that presents its dreamlike aromas without hesitation. Fruit and minerality are in perfect balance; the freshness of the cool vintage takes centre stage, and despite immense concentration the wine comes across as playfully light-footed.

For lovers of great German Rieslings, the 2024 Höllenbrand GG is a fascinating addition to the Wittmann universe – a wine that is more accessible earlier than its famous siblings, yet can still age for decades. A terroir wine of rare candour and elegance.