Schlossgut Diel 2008 "Goldloch" Riesling Spätlese, Nahe, Germany

Schlossgut Diel 2008 "Goldloch" Riesling Spätlese, Nahe, Germany

With over five hectares (12.5 acres), Schlossgut Diel is by far the  largest proprietor of this splendid, steep, south-facing Dorsheim  vineyard where gold is rumored to have been mined in the 17th century.  The stony soils date from the Permian Period and consist of bedrock  covered with a thin layer of loam and gravel. These wines reveal  delicate yellow fruit aromas, reminiscent of apricots and peaches with  hints of flint wrapped in a deliciously juicy body. The overall effect  and elegant finish are both classically Goldloch. The Goldloch has long been considered one of the finest vineyards  anywhere in the Nahe region, an opinion confirmed with a  highest-possible classification in the official Prussian vineyard survey  of 1901. Drawing on the Grand Cru model, the VDP-Nahe has classified  the Dorsheimer Goldloch as a "Große Lage." The “Spätlese” classification  is reserved for premium fruity wines from Große Lage sites.

The Schlossgut Diel vineyards, castle and winery are of great historical significance. The winery was purchased by the Diel family in 1802; today the winery is owned by Armin Diel and his daughter and winemaker Caroline Diel. Caroline’s styles are a study in both terroir and differences in intensity achieved at various levels of ripeness. Organic viticulture is practiced and sustainability and health of soil is the primary goal The combination of great vineyard sites, dedicated vineyard management and meticulous winemaking has led the winery to receive continued acclaim. The wines scrupulously define themselves: the style changes as the vintage dictates but the wines are always clear, sophisticated, and balanced.

Winemaker: Caroline Diel

Farming: Organic and Sustainable (not certified)

Terroir: The south facing Goldloch lies well protected in the Trollbach Valley  directly next to Pittermännchen. Long sunshine duration and good  availability of water provide ideal growth conditions. The steep slopes  have a 15 to 55 percent gradient and are for the most part terraced.  Goldloch covers 10 hectares between 140 and 210 meters. The soil is  rocky-gritty loam slope wash over rocky Upper Rotliegend conglomerate  that is covered with a thin loam layer with abundant pebbles.

Harvest: Manual, multi-pass harvest of meticulously selected grapes from our estate’s vineyards. 

Vinification: Gentle pressing, followed by spontaneous fermentation and extended  aging in traditional wood barrels sourced from local oak and stainless  steel tanks.

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