Markus Molitor : WC Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese** Sec 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the WC Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese** Dry 2021 from Markus Molitor

Tasting

Nose

The nose is deep and spicy, revealing aromas of ripe apricot accompanied by subtle smoky notes. The aromatic expression is both explosive and precise, gradually opening up with aeration to unveil its full complexity.

Palate

On the palate, this Riesling impresses with its generous concentration tempered by remarkable elegance. The structure is highly focused and tight, carried by crystalline acidity and a saline minerality characteristic of the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr slate soils. The palate reveals considerable body for a white Riesling, beautifully balanced by mineral freshness. The long, lingering finish expresses impressions of stone fruit and minerality that slowly evolve in the glass.

Food and wine pairing

This Riesling pairs perfectly with delicate white fish such as sole, halibut or turbot. It also brilliantly accompanies cream- or butter-based fish preparations, as well as dishes enhanced with citrus notes. Aged cheeses, particularly Alpine-style hard cheeses and blue cheeses, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and storage

The Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese** (White Capsule) 2021 can be enjoyed now but will gain in complexity over time. Its aging potential is estimated at a minimum of twenty years.

A dry Moselle Riesling imbued with concentration and minerality

The estate

Markus Molitor took over the family estate in 1984, at the age of twenty, becoming the eighth generation of winemakers. From his modest beginnings with 1.5 hectares in the Wehlener Klosterberg, he has expanded the estate to its current 120 hectares spread across twenty-five Grand Cru sites in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. His mission: to restore the prestigious reputation of Moselle wines by producing authentic Rieslings that faithfully express their terroir of origin. Recognized as one of the greatest Riesling producers in the world, Markus Molitor has received numerous outstanding 100-point scores from international critics, a distinction unique among German estates.

The vineyard

The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr vineyard, whose name means "sundial," ranks among the most prestigious sites in the Moselle. Markus Molitor controls approximately seven hectares of the fewer than twenty hectares that make up this exceptional terroir. The extraordinarily steep slopes, sometimes approaching the vertical, require terrace cultivation in the steepest sections. The soil is composed of blue Devonian slate, a geological formation characterized by a low pH, an exceptional iron and mineral content, and a friable structure that allows roots to penetrate deep into the rock. The oldest plots are home to ungrafted vines over one hundred years old, some approaching 120 years of age. These old vines produce extremely low yields, sometimes only ten to twenty hectoliters per hectare, ensuring exceptional aromatic and mineral concentration.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in the Moselle marks a return to classicism, with cooler climatic conditions favoring a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes. This year stands out for its vibrant acidity and great aromatic finesse, allowing the production of wines with crystalline precision and remarkable elegance.

Winemaking and aging

The Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese** (White Capsule) 2021 was crafted according to the estate's rigorous protocols. After gentle pressing, the grapes underwent skin maceration for several hours. Fermentation proceeded spontaneously using indigenous yeasts in large traditional wooden casks. The wine was then aged on fine lees for an extended period of at least six months before bottling. This non-interventionist approach allows the terroir to express itself authentically.

Grape variety

Riesling (100%)