Van Volxem : Scharzhofberger Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for the Scharzhofberger Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021 from Van Volxem

Tasting

Color

The color shows a light to medium pale yellow hue, luminous and bright, typical of cool-climate Rieslings made without extended skin contact.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity with notes of crisp green apple, lime zest, and white peach. These are joined by a very pronounced smoky slate minerality, along with delicate floral touches. A subtle petrol note, characteristic of Rieslings as they develop, suggests excellent aging potential.

Palate

The palate is both tropical and beautifully balanced, offering a creamy, juicy texture. Lively acidity structures the whole and brings freshness and definition on the palate. A wet-stone minerality forms the backbone of this wine, giving it remarkable depth. The finish—airy, elegant, and precise—stands out for its exceptional length and aromatic persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This Riesling is an ideal match for seafood, oysters, ceviche, and sushi. It also pairs very well with root vegetables and squash, especially butternut squash, pumpkin, or parsnip-based preparations. Asian cuisine is a standout pairing: sashimi, Cantonese cuisine, mildly spiced Thai dishes with coconut and curry, as well as delicate Japanese preparations. White fish with lemon or herb sauces, along with aged hard cheeses such as Gruyère, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and aging

The Scharzhofberger Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve through around 2041.

An exceptionally mineral German Riesling by Van Volxem

The estate

Van Volxem traces its roots back to the third century with Roman viticulture, before being rediscovered in the eleventh century by monks. The estate takes its name from Gustav van Volxem, a Brussels brewer who made it one of the most renowned properties in the German Empire in the early twentieth century. In 1999, Roman Niewodniczanski, from the founding family of the Bitburger brewery, acquired the estate with the ambition of restoring the international reputation of Saar Rieslings. Today, Van Volxem farms 85 hectares of vineyards in Moselle-Sarre-Ruwer and stands as a benchmark of German winegrowing, as a member of the prestigious VDP. The estate distinguishes itself through natural practices, spontaneous fermentations, and its Fair'n Green-certified environmental commitment.

The vineyard

Scharzhofberger is one of Germany’s most prestigious winegrowing sites, likely planted as early as the third century by the Romans. Located in the lower Saar valley in Moselle-Sarre-Ruwer, this 28.1-hectare vineyard occupies a south to southeast-facing side valley, on slopes reaching 30 to 60% incline, between 200 and 290 meters in altitude. The soils are composed of heavily weathered gray Devonian slate, with elements of red slate, clay, and iron. Scharzhofberger is the coolest site in Saarland, regularly swept by cold winds from the Hunsrück that provide constant ventilation. The highly weathered slate accumulates daytime warmth and releases it at night, creating significant temperature swings that enhance aromatic complexity. Harvest typically finishes in November, allowing for extended ripening.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage was marked by challenging conditions. Winter alternated between periods of intense frost and mild temperatures, with snow and rain replenishing water reserves. These climatic fluctuations created major challenges for winegrowers, requiring close attention to disease management and harvest timing. Despite these constraints, Scharzhofberger 2021 managed to express the quality and precision that are the hallmark of this exceptional terroir.

Winemaking and aging

The Scharzhofberger Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021 is made according to Van Volxem’s natural-wine philosophy. The grapes, carefully hand-sorted, are gently pressed. Fermentation occurs spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts, with no added enzymes, bentonite, or modern oenological agents, with sulfur as the only exception. Aging takes place in traditional 1,000-liter foudres, custom-made by Austrian cooper Franz Stockinger using wood sourced from the Eifel forests. The wine rests on fine lees, building texture and complexity. This minimalist approach preserves the authentic expression of the terroir and enhances aging potential.

Grape variety

100% Riesling.