Karthauserhof Riesling Schieferkristall Trocken 2013

Karthäuserhof is one of the great estates of Germany, with a complex and storied history that dates back centuries. Carthusian monks founded the property, a Hof, or working farm, in 1335, making it one of the oldest estates in Europe (the 8th oldest in the world, according to them). Recent findings, dating back to Roman times, show that a settlement with viticulture likely existed at Karthäuserhof even before the establishment of the monastery. Much like its neighbor, Maximin Grünhaus, wine was made and consumed by the monks continually for almost 500 years. Following secularization under Napoleon, Karthäuserhof was auctioned off in Paris in 1811. Valentin Leonardy, a Francophile, bought the estate and the property has been in the same family since, first as the Rautenstrauchs, then as the Tyrells and now as the Behler family.

Schieferkristall, meaning slate crystal, is 100% estate Riesling from steep vineyards along the Ruwer (a tributary of the Mosel) with a unique microclimate and distinctive Devonian slate soils. Gentle pressing, followed by fermentation in stainless steel under controlled temperature and long lees contact for almost six months. The Schieferkristall features a delicate yet dense apricot aroma and a polished slate tone. Pure, fresh and vital on the palate, it is a substantial, tightly structured yet juicy and persistently aromatic Ruwer Kabinett (though it is not declared as such for ask-the-VDP reasons) with tension and a stimulatingly salty finish. More serious, complex and structured compared to Bruno.