Solidly built power :  2023 Merler Königslay-Terrassen, Riesling Grosses Gewächs

Quality Mosel wine, estate bottled by the Wine Estate Albert Kallfelz, with a pleasant 12.5% ​​alcohol (pictured above).
A wine I rated with 95 red bonvinitas points (red represents category 2, dry over 12%). My notes are: A very fine, elegant aroma with hints of fresh white peaches, complemented by mimosa and wild roses; on the palate, a firm, well-structured body, indeed brimming with power, with notes of peach and gooseberry compote, accompanied by white pepper; a power that lingers long into the finish, from which the pepper makes a distant reappearance. Pairs well with, for example, plaice, sea bass, pork loin, or veal schnitzel. I use the same rating system as for the bonvinitas blind tastings for our wine guide, which in this case, of course, represents my own opinion.

Großes Gewächs (Grand Cru)

The designation "Großes Gewächs" (Grand Cru) has been legally regulated with correspondingly higher quality standards since the 2021 amendment to the wine law. Dryness is self-evident and may not be indicated, nor may any other predicate designations. DER RING Mosel, an association of currently 39 Mosel wine estates dating back to the 19th century, including Weingut Kallfelz, had already established rules for "Großes Gewächs" in 2005, even stricter than those now legally mandated. Through mutual monitoring, the members adhere to their stricter rules and are then permitted to use the GG logo, as seen above on the label. This thus represents an absolute signal of top quality.

The Wine Estate Albert Kallfelz

The vineyard in Merl on the Moselle currently comprises around 50 hectares, largely situated on the steep slate slopes of the Moselle. The layered rock allows the vines to root deeply and absorb minerals, making these sites among the best of their kind internationally. The winery's motto is: "From the idealist for the individualist." They aim to offer the finest wines to discerning wine lovers who appreciate this, through meticulous craftsmanship and expertise on these steep slopes. Albert Kallfelz took over the business in 1972 as the third generation owner and transformed it from a small winery into the renowned and prestigious estate it is today. It is now run by the fourth generation: his son-in-law, Florian Scheidt, and his son, Maximilian Kallfelz.

A pleasant temperament – ​​a wine that tells a story : 2024 Merler Stephansberg Riesling dry

A quality Mosel wine, estate bottled by the Wine Estate Albert Kallfelz, 12.5% ​​ABV, which I also thoroughly enjoyed and rated with 95 bonvinitas points: On the nose, wonderfully ripe peach notes, as perfect as Riesling can get, plus a touch of blossom honey and shortbread; on the palate, a pleasantly fruity ripeness with notes of nectarine, from which a delightful, subtle salinity emerges, leading to a pleasantly restrained temperament in the finish, from which the salinity rises once more at the end, before concluding with mineral notes. Excellent with, for example, pan-fried fish, veal schnitzel, or ham in bread dough.

The true symbiosis of wonderful fruit and exquisite elegance : 2023 Merler Stephansberg Riesling Auslese

A premium Mosel wine, estate bottled by Weingut Albert Kallfelz, 8% ABV:
which I awarded a well-deserved 96 orange bonvinitas points (category 3, wines with residual sugar): A wonderful nose, revealing a great bouquet of fruit notes such as nectarine and mirabelle compote, ripe autumn apples, quince paste, dried apple slices, and even a hint of roses; on the palate, an equally lush richness is complemented by fruity sweetness, with further hints of quince paste as well as blossom honey, candied pineapple, and candied orange peel – all with great clarity and fine elegance, which lingers long in the finish. A perfect wine for toasting occasions, for afternoon tea, or simply for enjoyment. At the DLG Federal German Wine Awards, this wine was even awarded Gold Extra.

Text: Dieter Simon, publisher and editor-in-chief of bonvinitas. Bottle photos by bonvinitas, others as indicated.