COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2023
GRAPE
Riesling
PRODUCER
Weingut Thörle
REGION
Rheinhessen
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Weingut Thörle, located in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, is a historical estate dating back to 1517. Since 2006, brothers Christoph and Johannes Thörle have managed the property, elevating it to one of Germany's most acclaimed, quality-driven estates. The 2023 vintage marks the highly anticipated debut of the 'Austernkalk' (Oyster Limestone) Riesling. The name refers to the unique terroir of the Schlossberg vineyard, which is littered with prehistoric petrified oysters, shells, and ancient marine fossils from a primeval sea bed that covered the region millions of years ago. This wine is crafted specifically to capture the cool, racy, and mineral-driven essence of this ancient sea-floor terroir.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€15
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
8-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The 2023 vintage is the first-ever debut release of Thörle's 'Austernkalk' Riesling.
Fact 02
The vineyard soils are packed with prehistoric petrified oyster shells and shark teeth from an ancient sea bed.
Fact 03
The estate dates back to 1517, but was revitalized in 2006 by brothers Christoph and Johannes Thörle.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are sourced from young vines planted in 2016 in the fossil-rich Schlossberg site. They are organically grown and selectively hand-harvested in multiple stages. In the cellar, the grapes undergo a light crushing followed by four hours of pre-fermentation skin maceration to enhance aromatic extraction. Fermentation is carried out spontaneously using natural wild yeasts over a period of five weeks. The wine is matured on its full lees (Vollhefe) until bottling in April 2024. Maturation takes place in a combination of traditional German oak casks (Stückfass) and stainless steel tanks to balance texture and freshness.
