2017 Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Graacher Dompropst Riesling Mosel

The estate of Max Ferd. Richter has been passed down from father to son for the past 300 years. The current reins are held by Dr. Dirk Richter, the 9th generation, and will eventually be passed down to his son Constantin. The estate produces world-class Rieslings from some of the most esteemed vineyards in the Mosel, and all production comes from estate holdings. The terroir of their steep vineyard sites is generally grey slate with different compositions of ferruginous (Brauneberg), mineral quartz (Veldenz) or clay (Graach, Wehlen, Mülheim) soils; those deeply in uence character and avor of the wines. Strict attention to quality and detail is paid to all vines from the QBAs on up through the Eisweins. Through the entire line of wines, their hallmark balance is evident in every glass.

Throughout the estate, only all-natural fertilizers, sustainable farming, and hand-harvesting are employed. Vineyards are treated as needed so in some vintages some vineyards are entirely ecological. They use pomace, compost and stall manure as fertilizers. Application is in late winter and early spring. Overall, they are trying to minimize waste, water and energy consumption.

TASTING NOTES
The 2017 Richter Estate Riesling is made from Estate holdings in the Erdener Herrenberg, Graacher Dompropst and Himmelreich as well as parcels in Mülheim. It was fermented down to fully off-dry levels at less than 30 g/l of residual sugar. The wine delivers a nicely fruity and ripe nose of yellow peach, plum, earthy spices, smoke and a hint of tar. It unfolds good presence yet remains light-fooded on the just off-dry palate. Some nicely tickly whips up the avours right into the focused, light and long finish.