Van Volxem : Schiefer Riesling 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for Van Volxem’s Schiefer Riesling 2019

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a pale yellow color with subtle green highlights, typical of cool-climate Rieslings.

Nose
The nose reveals a bright, aromatic bouquet dominated by citrus and green apple notes, complemented by hints of white peach and apricot. The minerality expresses itself with intensity through flinty and slate-like aromas, giving the wine a floral dimension and remarkable freshness.

Palate
On the palate, the Schiefer Riesling 2019 charms with its delicacy and striking finesse. Despite a clearly present acidity, the structure remains light and elegant, without any heaviness. The palate shows lovely juiciness and an airy texture, carried by the mineral expression that forms the backbone of the wine. The finish offers fine length with lingering mineral tension and a slight sweetness that harmoniously balances the whole.

Food and wine pairings

This versatile Riesling is an ideal match for light summer dishes, root vegetables, and squash. It also pairs beautifully with a traditional roast turkey or a honey-glazed ham, making it a perfect choice for festive meals.

Serving and cellaring

The Schiefer Riesling 2019 can be enjoyed now and will continue to develop until around 2025.

A mineral and elegant German Riesling

The estate

Acquired in 2000 by Roman Niewodniczanski, Van Volxem embodies the revival of a historic estate whose origins date back to Roman times. Located in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, more specifically in the Saar Valley, the estate now spans around 60 hectares of vineyards. Niewodniczanski, from a family connected to the Bitburger brewery, set out to restore the outstanding reputation that Saar wines enjoyed at the beginning of the 20th century. A member of the prestigious VDP, Van Volxem stands out for its commitment to natural viticulture, free of chemical products, and for replanting own-rooted vines since 2001. The estate’s philosophy is firmly focused on sustainable excellence and respect for future generations.

The vineyard

This Schiefer Riesling 2019 comes from young vines under 30 years old grown on various Devonian slate soils in the Mosel. These schist soils, from which the wine takes its name (schiefer meaning slate in German), also include sections of rhyolite, volcanic quartz porphyry, and graywacke. The dark slate absorbs and releases solar heat, creating a microclimate that favors Riesling ripening in this cool-climate region. The vineyard is managed according to natural principles, with voluntary yield restrictions to around 40 hectoliters per hectare and late, selective hand-harvesting.

The vintage

The year 2019 benefited from favorable climatic conditions, allowing optimal grape ripening while preserving the freshness and acidity characteristic of German white wines.

Vinification and aging

After late, selective hand-harvesting, the Schiefer Riesling 2019 was vinified using a natural approach favoring indigenous yeasts for spontaneous fermentation. The wine was aged in stainless-steel tanks for 6 to 7 months, allowing extended contact with fine lees. Bottling took place in May following the harvest. No modern oenological products such as bentonite or enzymes were used, in keeping with the estate’s philosophy.

Grape variety

100% Riesling.