Markus Molitor : WC Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese*** Sec 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the WC Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese*** Sec 2020 by Markus Molitor

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a vivid, brilliant yellow colour.

Nose

Intense and complex, the nose reveals aromas of ripe fruit alongside notes of candied ginger and lemon chutney, heightened by mineral nuances reminiscent of slate slabs. Stone fruit fragrances unfold with finesse, inviting prolonged exploration.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its silky texture and remarkable elegance. The structure is intense, muscular, very dense and concentrated, while retaining an electric mineral freshness. The long, lingering finish reveals exceptional balance and great aromatic complexity.

Food and wine pairing

This dry Riesling pairs beautifully with seafood, oysters, sushi and delicate fish. It also complements richer dishes such as duck confit, pork belly, mushroom risotto, as well as aged cheeses and charcuterie. Fried dishes such as schnitzel or tempura also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

The Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese*** Sec 2020 can be enjoyed now but will fully express its potential after a few years of cellaring. It will keep until around 2070, with an optimal drinking window opening from 2030.

An exceptional Riesling from the Mosel by Markus Molitor

The estate

Founded in 1984 when Markus Molitor, aged just twenty, took over the 1.5-hectare family estate, Weingut Markus Molitor now covers 120 hectares and is the largest private, family-owned estate in the Mosel. Markus Molitor, the eighth generation of winegrowers, has methodically acquired the region's most prestigious sites. Renowned worldwide, this German estate has received twenty-one 100-point scores from the Wine Advocate. Markus Molitor remains personally involved in every stage of production, upholding a philosophy centred on respect for the environment and the authentic expression of terroir.

The vineyard

The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, whose name means "sundial", is one of the most prestigious sites in the Mosel. This vineyard of less than twenty hectares is characterised by steep south-west-facing slopes composed of very fine, stony Devonian blue slate. The old ungrafted vines, some of which are more than eighty years old, take root in shallow soils on small terraces. These extreme conditions naturally limit yields to ten to twenty hectolitres per hectare and give the wines a distinctive elegance, pronounced minerality and characteristic earthy, rocky and smoky notes.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in the Mosel stands out for its elegance and finesse. After a mild winter and an early spring, the dry, sunny summer encouraged the development of small, concentrated berries. The decisive turning point came in September, when cool night-time temperatures and intermittent rain slowed ripening, allowing the grapes to reach optimal physiological ripeness while retaining high acidity. This exceptionally long harvest period of around six weeks allowed for meticulous berry selection and produced wines of remarkable purity, combining freshness, minerality and balance.

Winemaking and ageing

The Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese*** Sec 2020 is crafted according to a philosophy that honours the traditional methods of a hundred years ago. Hand harvesting allows for the rigorous selection of the finest berries at optimal ripeness. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of enzymes or fining agents. The wine is aged on fine lees in large wooden casks, developing structure, freshness and remarkable ageing potential. No stabilisation is carried out, preserving the authenticity and pure expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Riesling