Rheinhessen Archives

The 2012 Riesling von der Fels trocken is a dry Riesling from Rheinhessen. Klaus-Peter Keller is a famous winemaker of Riesling in Germany. His G Max is legendary, his GG’s are very hard to find. I was able to find his premium entry level wine “von der Fels”, and it was a bit of a sobering experience. A good Riesling, but I have had better ones at this level from other producers. The myth was demystified.

I tasted the 2012 Riesling von der Fels trocken, Keller, Rheinhessen, Germany. Clear appearance, with a golden straw color. In the nose, complex and full aromas typical for a mature Riesling – stone fruit like peach and apricot, citric notes, and a beautiful note of petrol. On the palate, the wine is almost dry, with a nice freshness and good body. Long and pleasant finish. TBM 89 points.

The 2021 Ostara Weingut Weedenborn is a white wine made from a blend of different grapes: 50% Pinot Blanc, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Riesling. Enologist Gesine Roll created this fresh wine from terroirs of Rheinhessen. Strangely enough the wine cannot be found on their website. I tasted it at the Gerstl tasting in Sempach. Gerstl called it a top cuvée and “the white wine of the year 2022”!

Straw colour. In the nose, the typical Sauvignon Blanc aromas are dominant at first – Passion fruit, especially. Then, there is also yellow fruit (grapefruit, lemon) and flowery notes. On the palate, the wine is dry, slightly acidic with a reasonable finish. Not sure what made Gerstl consider this wine to be so extraordinary.

TBM 83 points.