Georg Breuer Berg Rottland 2018

Produced by Weingut Georg Breuer in Rüdesheim, Berg Rottland is one of the Rheingau’s most celebrated Riesling vineyards and a cornerstone of the estate’s reputation. Founded in 1880, the winery rose to international prominence under the leadership of the late Bernhard Breuer, a visionary who championed dry Riesling at a time when Germany was better known for sweeter styles. Today, the estate is run by his daughter Theresa Breuer, who has continued to refine the winery’s focus on site expression and precision. Berg Rottland occupies a steep, south-facing slope above the Rhine River, where quartzite, slate and iron-rich soils provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive mineral character. The river acts as a natural heat reservoir, aiding ripening while preserving the freshness and acidity that define the estate’s wines.

Made from 100% Riesling, Berg Rottland is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged with a restrained, low-intervention approach that allows the vineyard’s character to take centre stage. The warm and structured 2018 vintage produced wines of impressive concentration, yet the estate’s careful viticulture preserved the balance and energy for which the site is renowned. Aromas of white peach, apricot and ripe citrus are layered with notes of crushed stone, dried herbs, smoke and subtle floral nuances. With several years of bottle age, the wine is beginning to develop the complex tertiary characteristics that distinguish great mature Riesling, revealing hints of honey, beeswax and savoury mineral tones alongside its vibrant fruit core. The palate is powerful yet precise, with intense concentration, crystalline acidity and a long, saline finish. Already offering considerable complexity, the 2018 remains youthful and has the structure to continue evolving gracefully for many years to come.