Materne & Schmitt Riesling Trocken

Lehmen is a town 15 km up-river from Winningen.  Here the slate is blue-grey and contains fossils from 400 million years ago when the area was covered by ocean.  These fossils, along with underground calcareous springs, bring the pH of the soil to a more basic level and provide a significant difference in nutrients provided to the vines, which in turn creates a drastic difference in aromatic characteristics.  All vineyards are south, south-west facing.

Natural, bone-dry Riesling made from the estate’s holdings in the lower part of the Lay and the grand cru Ausoniusstein. Soils are grey-blue slate w/ calcareous elements from an ancient coral reef. Vinified in steel with no additions, spontaneous ferments, minimal sulfur, and long, gradual maturation. The wine is beautifully balanced on the elegant and spicy palate and braced by a gorgeously crystalline structure coupled with fabulous fruit in 2020.