2022 A. Christmann Königsbacher Idig Riesling Grosses Gewächs

8 hectares of Riesling, 0.8 hectares of Pinot Noir, South-southeast exposure, 146-176m above sea level, 10% slope inclination, Soil: Terra fusca -Tertiary limestone

The Idig is one of the most excellent locations in the Palatinate. Through our monopoly-like possession, it represents the core of our property. The wines produced here are among the style-defining wines of the category Grosses Gewächs and are celebrated worldwide year after year. As a court chamber estate of the Palatine electors, our then-stately vineyard was first mentioned in a document in the 14th century. The monopole-like size of 4 hectares in a prime location, uniquely special, is due to the more than 400 years of ownership of the Counts Palatine. The vineyard drops steeply to the south-southeast by Palatinate standards. Through the Klausental, however, a gentle wind constantly flows down from the Stabenberg, which always keeps the grapes healthy for a long time with its drying effect. The Idig rests on a mighty limestone rock massif, which was formed from limestone deposits after the collapse of the Upper Rhine Graben in the Tertiary. The topsoil consists of terra fusca, which was formed from lime and clay. In the topsoil, you will find countless limestones, but also some basalt, which was brought into the vineyard about 150 years ago from the Forster Pechsteinkopf by the von Buhl family, the owners at that time. – Steffen and Sophie Christmann

An extremely concentrated and fine dry riesling with a very impressive structure for the very moderate alcohol content (12%). This is lovely to drink now, but if you really want to experience all the depths, then you will need to wait at least a couple of years. Very long, silky finish with a lot of mineral subtlety. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. 98 points. Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com Dec 2023