Christoph Koenen: "Wine helps me unwind." Hence his wine photo on the couch. Koenen runs the wine estate together with his wife Simone and his parents, primarily on steep slopes in Minheim, nestled in a bend of the Moselle River. Sustainable viticulture is paramount. Visit the winery's online shop:  https://ck-weine.de/shop

More about the wine: 2024 Minheimer Kapellchen Souvignier Gris dry

Mosel quality wine, 12% ABV, estate bottled by Weingut Christoph Koenen, for which my notes read: A radiant wine right from the nose, bursting with notes of quince, honeydew melon, and vanilla; full-bodied with a lovely smoothness, from which a delicate temperament emerges; a rich finish with a lively aftertaste, all around impressive. Its richness and glace make it a perfect match for steaks and schnitzel, and its lively character makes it equally suitable for appetizers such as crab salad or fried shrimp.

Zu Souvignier Gris

A so-called PIWI variety (fungus-resistant). Powdery and downy mildew were introduced from the New World as early as the 19th century, and unfortunately, our European vines are very susceptible to them. Crosses of native New World vines with our European varieties are much more resistant and require far less pest control. This also means fewer tractor passes, less soil compaction, less diesel fuel, and much more. Souvignier Gris is one such example, from which many winemakers are now producing excellent wines.

By the way, the wine was made by the son Christian Koenen, who is still in winemaking training but is a true Souvignier Gris fan - congratulations!

Text: Dieter Simon, publisher and editor-in-chief of bonvinitas; photos in the lead article and from the winery: Weingut Koenen PR; other photos as indicated