2022 Ansgar Clüsserath Trittenheimer Apotheke Spätlese

Ansgar Clüsserath Trittenheimer Apotheke Spätlese is grown on Apotheke, Trittenheim’s finest individual vineyard site. It lies on the right bank of the Mosel, opposite the village of Trittenheim. ‘Apotheke’ literally means ‘pharmacy’ but the vineyard’s name doesn’t refer to the medicinal properties of its wines. It in fact derives from a foundation established by the “Abtsberg” Abbey of Trier. With its extreme slope of up to 78%, Apotheke ranks among the top sites on the Mosel. The southwest-facing hillside benefits from direct sunlight well into late evening, a lengthy time during which the slate soils store heat, which extends the ripening period. Weathered slate slopes with subterranean water veins ensure an optimal supply of nutrients and allow the vines to develop deep roots. Single-stake training is practiced in the family’s oldest parcels in this site, which comprise 60- to 80-year-old vines. The grapes yield wines with great aging potential and complex minerality. In their youth, the wines show finesse; as they mature, they display rich fruitiness reminiscent of apricot and peach.

The Spätlese grapes are harvested after the Kabinett in order to achieve greater ripeness. It’s challenging acidity and minerality brilliantly counterbalance the ripe fruit and subtle fresh herbs of this naturally sweet beauty. As befits a premium wine, the grapes are always hand-harvested and gently pressed. The must is then fermented with native yeasts in traditional Mosel fuder barrels and left on the lees until May. 8% alcohol.

The 2022 Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese is coolish and refined on the discreet, flinty and very delicate nose. Bottled in late May 2023, this is a round, lush and refined, very elegant and quiet Riesling with savory salinity and crystalline acidity. The wine has fine grip and will develop beautifully over the years. 8% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted chez Wittmann in July 2023. 93 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Nov 2023